More than 40 school children were in the bus when it crashed

A double-decker bus carrying more than 40 school children has crashed in County Down.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) declared it as a "major incident", but has since stood it down.  It said the bus was carrying 43 school children, as well as the driver.

Four children were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed.

The incident happened on the Ballyblack Road East, near Carrowdore after 16:00 BST.

Translink said the bus was carrying students from Strangford College to Bangor.

In a statement, the PSNI said that NIAS treated and discharged 33 people at the scene.  Several patients also self-presented at the Ulster Hospital.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) deployed five fire appliances to the scene.  Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to rescue two casualties from the bus.

Pictures on social media showed the vehicle on its side in a field having left the road.

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This was yesterday. Amazingly, no one held in hospital overnight.

Six children have been rescued after a bus they were travelling in crashed into a water-filled ditch.

Emergency crews were called to Leverington Common near Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire, at about 17:15 GMT on Thursday.

The school children were evacuated from the vehicle and were not thought to be injured, police said. The driver of the bus was taken to hospital as a precaution, they added.

Eyewitness Laurence Manning said he helped the children off the bus after he heard them screaming.  "We pulled each school kid out one by one and then we tended to the driver who was still in the cab," he said.

Mr Manning said he rang for the ambulance.  "The roof was caved in. As we're in the bus we could hear creaks and cracks because it was sinking even more.  We had to check the bus several times, it was quite scary.  But when there are kids involved you just have to get them to safety.  Luckily everyone was all right - few injuries but nothing serious."

A neighbour, Katie-Leigh Julian, said she looked after the children once they had been rescued.  "The experience was not nice at all when it comes down to anyone, but when it's children around and there's no parents around it is heart-breaking," she said.

Cambridgeshire Police said emergency crews would remain at the scene, with surrounding roads expected to be closed "well into the evening".

The fire service said its firefighters arrived at the scene to find a bus in a ditch and they assisted the driver from the vehicle.

What we know so far - published at 18:53

A bus carrying pupils from Minehead Middle School left the road at about 15:00 BST close to the village of Wheddon Cross on Exmoor on Thursday

Around 60 to 70 people were on board and police say a number of casualties have been taken to hospital

Most passengers were taken to a rest centre set up at a pub in Wheddon Cross

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is receiving regular updates on the incident

Beacon Education MAT, which Minehead Middle School is part of, has released a statement following the bus crash.

“We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities following an incident this afternoon to support our pupils, families, and staff at this very difficult time," it says.

Tributes outside school after child dies and 21 injured in Minehead coach crash





Summary

One child has died and 21 people are injured after a coach returning from a school trip crashed in Exmoor, Somerset - here's what we know so far

The coach was carrying up to 70 people, many of them pupils from Minehead Middle School, when it flipped onto its roof and slid down a bank yesterday afternoon

The trust which runs the school says it is "devastated", while tributes and flowers are being left outside the grounds

Minehead Middle School and five other schools are shut today and the A396 at Cutcombe Hill is also closed

Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls the incident "heartbreaking" and sends his condolences to the families affected

(BBC article continues to be updated)

It's the wording ...

It weighed heavily on me.

More than £12k raised for school coach crash victims



A fundraiser launched to support the families affected by a coach crash which killed a 10-year-old boy has raised more than £12,000 in 24 hours.

The community in Minehead, Somerset, has been left devastated by the crash which happened on the way back from a school trip to Exmoor Zoo on Thursday. Six children remain in hospital - two at Bristol Children's Hospital and four in Somerset. Three adults are also being treated in hospital.

Bobbie Rammond, a resident and small business owner in west Somerset, launched the fundraiser on Friday. In a statement, Mr Rammond said: "This tragedy has shaken the local community, and like many others, I felt a strong desire to do what I could to help."

Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident after the single-vehicle collision at Cutcombe Hill near Wheddon Cross at about 15:00 BST on Thursday.

The coach, which was carrying about 70 people, flipped on to its roof and slid down a bank. Many of those on board were pupils from Minehead Middle School.

Mr Rammond said the community fund would help support those directly affected by the crash. "I understand this is a sensitive time, and while the specific use of the fund will be shaped by the needs of those involved, my promise is to ensure it reaches the people who need it most," Mr Rammond said. "As a father of two young children myself, I can only begin to imagine the pain and heartbreak that so many are experiencing right now," he added.

Mr Rammond said the money would be used to provide urgent help and support for those injured, hospitalised and directly impacted by the "heartbreaking" crash. He said it would also help those who needed emotional and psychological help, even if they were not physically harmed in the incident.

Four remain in hospital after school coach crash



Four people remain in hospital after a coach crashed on its way back from a school trip to the zoo.

A major incident was declared on Thursday after a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the road near Wheddon Cross in Somerset and slid down a 20ft slope.

Avon and Somerset Police previously confirmed a 10-year-old boy had died in the crash.

Earlier, the force said two children remained in hospital in Bristol and two adults were still in hospital in Somerset. It also confirmed the coach involved in the incident was recovered on Saturday. A police spokesperson said the investigation into the A396 Cutcombe Hill crash was ongoing.

Minehead Middle School, which teaches pupils aged between nine and 14, was closed on Friday as a stream of people paid their respects and left tributes at the gates.

The school's head teacher, Laura Mackie, was among those laying flowers. "I'm thinking of my staff team who are amazing, dedicated, and all of our wonderful students that have been affected and impacted by this awful, awful incident. It's just been horrific," she said.

Several fundraisers set up by residents have amassed more than £40,000 to help those affected by the incident.

A service will be held at St Andrew's Church in Minehead later for people to grieve and reflect.

Minehead Middle School is due to reopen on Monday.

Boy, 10, killed in coach crash named



A schoolboy killed in a coach crash in Somerset has been named as 10-year-old Oliver Price.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on Monday that formal identification had been carried out and his family were being supported by a specially trained officer.

Five people, including two children, remain in hospital following Thursday's accident. A major incident was declared after a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the road near Wheddon Cross in Somerset and slid down a 20ft (6m) slope.

Ch Supt Mark Edgington, from Avon and Somerset Police, said the force's thoughts were "first and foremost with Oliver's family at what must be an unimaginably difficult time."

"Our investigation is now well under way with officers working tirelessly to find out what caused it," he added, explaining that this was "likely to take some time".

It is understood that those still in hospital are now in a stable condition, the force said. Officers have been "working closely" with other agencies and the school to make sure support was in place for anyone affected by the news. "We are extremely grateful for all the support that's been received locally. This clearly shows how special and close-knit this community is," Ch Supt Edgington added.

The coach was carrying up to 70 people when it overturned between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 15:15 BST on 17 July. An off-duty firefighter who was travelling behind the vehicle was able to start freeing passengers immediately.

A huge emergency services presence then descended on the area, including a number of air ambulances to transport those most seriously injured. In total, 21 people were taken to hospital, with a number of children being discharged over the weekend, police said.

A 10-year-old boy who was killed when a coach carrying schoolchildren crashed died of a head injury, an inquest has heard.

Oliver Price died when a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the road near Wheddon Cross in Somerset and slid down a 6m (20ft) slope on 17 July.

The children and teachers onboard had been returning from an end-of-year trip to Exmoor Zoo. In total, 21 people were taken to hospital.

An inquest at Wells Coroner's Court heard earlier that Oliver had been found in his seat with his seatbelt on, and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

The coach was carrying about 70 people when it left the A396 and overturned between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 15:15 BST. A major incident was declared, with 60 firefighters sent to the scene alongside 20 double-crewed ambulances.

Opening the inquest into Oliver's death, coroner Vanessa McKinlay said his death was confirmed by paramedics at 17:00. "Oliver was found seated in the coach with his seat belt on," she added. "At the time of his death he was identified by his father Matthew Price to the police who were in attendance."

Ms McKinlay said the provisional cause of Oliver's death was a head injury, subject to further tests.

A full inquest is set to take place on 14 January next year and will look into the events of the day before the crash, the circumstances in which the coach left the road and Oliver's medical cause of death.

The inquest is due to hear from Oliver's family, adult passengers on the coach, witnesses, the coach driver, emergency service workers and a pathologist.

Oliver's family, the coach driver and the coach operator Ridlers have been named as interested parties in the inquest.

Ms McKinley ended the hearing by offering her condolences to Oliver's family.

Road reopens following fatal school coach crash



A road has partially reopened at the scene of a coach crash in which a 10-year-old child was killed.

Oliver Price died when the coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the road near Wheddon Cross in Somerset, and slid down a 6m (20ft) slope on 17 July.

The children and teachers on board had been returning from an end-of-year trip to Exmoor Zoo. In total, 21 people were taken to hospital to be treated.

One lane on the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe remains closed with temporary barriers in place until permanent repairs can be made.



In a statement Somerset Council said there would be temporary traffic signals in place, and a 20mph speed limit until further notice.

Avon and Somerset Police has asked people not to leave flowers and tributes by the roadside.

The coach involved in the accident was recovered from the scene on 19 July and is now being forensically examined.

This incident hit me hard as I’d just got home from taking a school group of 60-65 passengers to Longleat on the day it happened. I’ve never had an incident like this effect me emotionally previously.

Something that’s stood out to me in all of the news reports. There has been No mention of the driver’s  condition that I have seen.

The child, who hasn't yet been named, died yesterday afternoon while the driver remains in a stable condition in hospital.

A driver and a teacher have been injured when a school coach with 33 passengers onboard left a road and crashed into a ditch.

It happened on the southbound carriageway of the A36 near the Ower roundabout and junction 2 of the M27 in Hampshire shortly after 05:10 BST.

Police said of those onboard - 29 secondary school students were uninjured and one of four teachers suffered a minor leg injury. The driver also sustained minor injuries.

The force said the school was aware of the incident and all parents had been contacted. The road remains closed while the coach that had travelled from the Bristol area is recovered.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary added the coach was the only vehicle involved. Drivers are being urged to avoid the area if possible.

The southbound carriageway is expected to remain shut throughout Thursday morning.

Driver arrested after school bus crash closes road

The driver of a school bus has been arrested after the vehicle left the road and crashed into a ditch.

Police said of those onboard, 29 secondary school students were uninjured and one of four teachers suffered a minor leg injury. The driver also sustained minor injuries.

The crash happened on the southbound carriageway of the A36 near the Ower roundabout and junction 2 of the M27 in Hampshire shortly after 05:10 BST.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the driver, from Hungerford in Berkshire, had since been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink and/or drugs.

It added the 48-year-old remained in custody and urged any witnesses or people with dashcam footage of the incident to contact the force.

Following a lengthy closure, the road has now reopened after what police described as a "complex recovery" of the coach from the ditch.

Minehead Middle School coach crash victims all out of hospital



Almost a month on from a bus crash which killed a 10-year-old boy, police say those injured in the collision have all been discharged from hospital.

Oliver Price died of a head injury when a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the road near Wheddon Cross in Somerset and slid down a 6m (20ft) slope on 17 July.

The children and teachers onboard had been returning from an end-of-year trip to Exmoor Zoo when the coach flipped onto its roof and slid down a bank.

In total, 21 people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries. Avon and Somerset Police say their investigation into the incident is ongoing.

A hearing at Wells Coroner's Court last month heard that Oliver had been found in his seat with his seatbelt on, and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

A full inquest is set to take place on 14 January next year and will look into the events of the day before the crash, the circumstances in which the coach left the road and Oliver's medical cause of death.

The inquest is due to hear from Oliver's family, adult passengers on the coach, witnesses, the coach driver, emergency service workers and a pathologist.

Police revisit scene of coach crash that killed boy


The A396 was closed on Wednesday while police carried out a partial reconstruction of a fatal coach crash

Police investigating a fatal school coach crash have conducted a partial reconstruction to help them work out the circumstances which led to the incident.

Oliver Price, 10, died of a head injury when a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the A396 near Wheddon Cross in Somerset and slid down a 6m (20ft) slope on 17 July.

Avon and Somerset Police requested a temporary road closure on Wednesday to carry out investigation work at the scene. They said the reconstruction involved the "driving of a similar coach" along the route. "We informed Oliver's family in advance of this reconstruction and continue to support them throughout our enquiries," the police said.

In a statement, the force said the necessary road closure and reconstruction would mean investigators were "better equipped to obtain clear answers and provide clarity of all parties affected" by the crash. "This step is a part of the investigative process, and is a common practice in many serious collisions, aimed at accurately determining a sequence of events and factors involved in the collision," they said.

The coach was carrying up to 70 people back from a school trip to Exmoor Zoo when it overturned. A huge emergency services presence descended on the area, including a number of air ambulances to transport those most seriously injured. In total, 21 people were taken to hospital afterwards, police said.

A full inquest is set to take place on 14 January to look into how Oliver died. The inquest is due to hear from Oliver's family, adult passengers on the coach, witnesses, the coach driver, emergency service workers and a pathologist.

Passer-by Gary Hurst captured the size of the police and ambulance response

Three schoolchildren have fallen through a window from the top deck of a bus in Greater Manchester, police have said.

A large emergency response attended following the incident on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield shortly before 16:00 GMT.

The children have "potentially serious injuries" but they not thought to be life-threatening, Greater Manchester Police said.

An investigation was in the early stages but Inspector Simon Barrie said it "appears to be an unfortunate accident".

"This is a serious incident that will cause disruption," he said. "Our priority is to make sure the children get the treatment they need in hospital. Thankfully we don't believe their injuries are life-threatening."

Councillor Danny Fletcher, of Ashton-on-Makerfield South ward, posted on Facebook and said some of the children had suffered potentially life changing injuries. "I've spoken with our policing team this afternoon," he said. "As we know, three young people have fallen from a top floor side window of a school bus and have been taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, some with potentially life changing injuries. I've contacted the schools involved to ensure they have council support if needed. Sending my thoughts and all my love to the kids and families involved."

The road has since reopened.

Transport for Greater Manchester said: "Our thoughts are with those injured and we want to wish them a speedy recovery. Emergency services remain at the scene, and we are working closely with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into the incident."

'Stay seated' warning after boys fall out of bus



Pupils are being warned to stay seated on their school bus after three boys fell through the window of a double-decker.

The children were injured on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, shortly before 16:00 GMT on Wednesday.

The boys' school, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High, said there were "no life-threatening injuries and all three had been assessed in hospital".

The school urged parents to "please reinforce our message in school that pupils must sit in a seat for their journey if they choose to use the top deck of a bus".

The school said it was in contact with the boys' families "to offer our support" and was also offering support to pupils who witnessed the incident.

In a statement, the school head teacher, Mark Dumican, said: ""Contrary to some reports, there are no life-threatening injuries, and all three boys have been assessed in hospital. We are working with the police and with Vision Bus Company to determine the circumstances that led to this incident."

"Could all parents please reinforce our message in school that pupils must sit in a seat for their journey if they choose to use the top deck of a bus."

Greater Manchester Police said an investigation into the incident was in the early stages, but it appeared "to be an unfortunate accident".

The BBC has also contacted Vision Bus Company for comment.

It's hard to come to any conclusion which doesn't involve some fairly robust larking about and fiddling with an emergency exit handle.  The message needs to be rather firmer than just staying seated.

It's hard to come to any conclusion which doesn't involve some fairly robust larking about and fiddling with an emergency exit handle.  The message needs to be rather firmer than just staying seated.

Pupils safe after County Armagh school bus crash



The head teacher of a County Armagh school has confirmed that children involved in a bus crash in Belleeks are safe and have been collected by their parents.

Emergency services have have been attending the a "significant incident" which happened on the Tullyah Road in the area, which is in between Newtownhamilton and Camlough just after 15:30 GMT.

Dáithí Murray, principal of St Paul's High School in Bessbrook wrote to parents and said the incident would have caused "significant shock" to pupils who were on board.

SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty said that "thankfully around 40 of them (school children) all walked away from the scene and are home".


It is understood the private hire bus was travelling from St Paul's High School towards Whitecross

It is understood the private hire bus was travelling from St Paul's High School towards Whitecross.

Currently five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor are at the scene treating patients. People are being asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

"It could have been much more serious but thankfully when an incident involves a school bus crash you hope the worst doesn't happen but thankfully the children have walked away unscathed," said McNulty.

Murray said the school has sought advice from the Education Authority's Critical Incident Response Team who will be available to support pupils affected by the incident. "I would encourage pupils, if they feel well enough, to attend school tomorrow where staff will signpost them to the support services available," he said in his letter. "The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul's community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident today."

The Education Authority said it was providing "critical incident management support to the school".

"Our critical incident team will be in the school tomorrow to provide emotional support for pupils as required," a spokesperson said. "Our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by the incident."

Speaking at the scene on Tuesday evening, Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy said the incident is a "shock to this community".

"I have to commend the emergency services for their swift action," Murphy said. "Our heartfelt sympathy for anybody and everybody that was involved in the accident. Hopefully, particularly the kids, will be able to get over this. There's no doubt about it, it's obviously a shocking experience."