A £50,000 donation has been made to a fund set up to help support victims and affected parties of a tragic coach crash near Minehead.

Somerset Council has pledged the contribution to an appeal launched by the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF).

It comes after the horrific crash, which claimed the life of 10-year-old Oliver Price, saw a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils leave the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, Exmoor, at around 3pm on July 17.

After the crash, which saw the coach leave the road and flip over before sliding down a 20ft bank, 21 people were injured and a major incident declared.

SCF launched the emergency Together for West Somerset Appeal this week to support the children, families and wider community affected by the tragic events.

Funds raised will be distributed with guidance from a range of partners including Somerset Council, Somerset NHS, local schools, National Emergencies Trust, Fundraising Regulator and The Charity Commission.

Somerset Council has agreed to contribute £50,000 to provide immediate and effective support to those affected through the fund coordinated by the Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), ensuring appropriate governance and flexibility in responding to both immediate and longer-term needs.

The establishment of such a fund aligns with best practice guidance from the National Emergencies Trust (NET), which advocates for structured, community-led responses following major incidents to ensure that support is delivered fairly, efficiently, and with accountability.

READ MORE: Child killed and 21 injured in tragic coach crash near Minehead
READ MORE: Appeal launched to support those affected by Minehead coach crash tragedy

Council leader, Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton), said: “Our hearts and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragedy.

“This donation reflects Somerset Council’s deep commitment to standing beside our communities in times of need, ensuring support reaches those who need it most—swiftly, compassionately, and with care.

“We are grateful to Somerset Community Foundation for launching its appeal and for offering to co-ordinate community efforts and donations.

“I know they will ensure funds swiftly reach those who need immediate help and support our communities in the months and years to come.”

Justin Sargent, chief executive of SCF, added: “We’re very grateful for this donation from Somerset Council. This significant contribution is invaluable as we work to distribute funds swiftly to those affected to fund a package of short and long-term support.”

The contribution will be funded from Somerset Council’s Corporate Contingency Budget.

Somerset Council also said it is continuing to develop a coordinated plan of support that considers the needs of impacted children, families, school staff, and the wider community. This includes a child psychologist directly deployed to support the MAT.

For more details of the appeal, and to make a donation, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/appeal.