logo
Boy, 10, killed when bus overturned & slid down 20ft bank on way back from school trip is named

Boy, 10, killed when bus overturned & slid down 20ft bank on way back from school trip is named

Scottish Sun3 days ago
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A SCHOOLBOY killed in a tragic bus crash on his way home from a trip to the zoo has been named.
Tributes have poured in for 10-year-old Oliver Price, who died after the coach veered off the road on Thursday.
6
The coach veered off the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe in Somerset shortly before 3pm
Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
6
Emergency crews rushed to rescue passengers from the bus following a crash
Credit: SWNS
6
A woman kisses a child on the cheek in front of floral tributes outside Minehead Middle School after the tragic crash
Credit: Getty
The coach left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday afternoon last week.
It had been returning to Minehead Middle School from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 pupils and staff on board when the tragedy took place.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed this afternoon 10-year-old Oliver Price died in the crash.
Two children and one adult are still in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset.
A number of children were discharged over the weekend.
The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday.
The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the roadway, down a steep slope.
An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately.
The bus driver is understood to be in hospital in a stable condition, but suffering from a number of injuries.
Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said today: 'Our thoughts are first and foremost with Oliver's family at what must be an unimaginably difficult time. We will continue to make sure they're updated.
'Our investigation is now well underway with officers working tirelessly to find out what caused it. This work is likely to take some time and we're asking for patience while these enquiries take place.
'Over the last few days we have been working closely with our partner agencies and the school to ensure support is in place for anyone who might need it.
'We are extremely grateful for all the support that's been received locally. This clearly shows how special and close-knit this community is.
'I would like to also thank all the emergency services and voluntary groups who responded for their support as well as everyone in our hospitals who continue to help those who were injured.'
Minehead Middle School's website stated that pupils in that year group (aged nine to 10) were due to visit the zoo as part of the school's "Enrichment Week" activities.
Three helicopters, deployed by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance, joined police air crews on the day of the horror.
Some casualties were then taken by air ambulance to hospital in Bristol.
In a press conference outside Minehead Middle School, cops confirmed that they were called at 2.58pm to the "very complex and technically difficult scene".
Parents - who had been summoned to the school by police - were seen visibly upset as they waited outside the building.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer explained how an off-duty firefighter was travelling behind the coach at the time of the crash, and was able to offer assistance.
Police confirmed that 21 casualties had been rushed to hospital, although the "large majority of passengers" were taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross.
Officials say the coach came off the remote rural road and slid at least 20ft down a bank, having overturned onto its roof.
Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, says: "We were mobilised to a major incident to a coach that had overturned onto its roof and slip approximately 20ft (6.1m) down an embankment.
"Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances, and he also supported our ambulance colleagues with casualty treatment.
"This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped as quickly as safely as possible."
Eight fire engines, two specialist rescue appliances and around 60 firefighters were deployed to the scene.
South Western Ambulance Service deployed 20 double crewed ambulances, three air ambulances, a command team and two hazardous area response teams.
Cops estimate around 60 to 70 people were onboard the coach when it left the road.
Lucky Emily Manning, 10, climbed on board the 70-seater after an end of term trip to the zoo but was told to get off because it was already full.
She got on the first of the two coaches instead and arrived home safely.
But the second coach veered off the road, flipped onto its roof and careered down a 20ft embankment.
Another boy, Jayden, was on the bus that flipped, but said he doesn't remember much.
"I just remember climbing up the hill to get back on the road," he said.
His mum Kim said she became frantic when Jayden didn't arrive at his gran's house at 4pm on Thursday.
"I'm just so grateful to have my baby home," she told the BBC.
Ridlers Coaches director Peter Prior-Sankey said in a statement: "Everyone at Ridlers is truly devastated by yesterday's tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers remain with the pupils, their families, and the school.
"Our thanks go to the incredible emergency service teams for their response, and to those across our local hospitals and community who have done so much for those impacted over the last 24 hours.
"I can confirm that the driver is himself in a stable condition in hospital, but with a number of injuries. We are in contact with his wife and family, and have offered ongoing support."
He added that staff at the company are being supported and he and his team are liaising with Somerset Council.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to the tragic death of Oliver last week, saying: "A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset.
"There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child.
"All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.
"Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace — I'm being kept up to date on this situation."
An Avon and Somerset spokesperson said: "Our investigation into the collision on Exmoor last week in which a 10-year-old boy tragically died is continuing this week.
"Formal identification has now been completed and we can confirm the victim was Oliver Price. Our thoughts are with his parents and family who have been updated and continue to be supported by a specially-trained officer.
"Two children and one adult are currently in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset, while a number of children were discharged over the weekend.
"Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Team have been carrying out thorough enquiries to understand the full circumstances of the collision.
"The coach, which was transporting pupils and teachers from Minehead Middle School, left the A396 shortly before 3pm on Thursday 17 July.
"A major incident was declared and a significant emergency service response began.
"Despite their efforts, Oliver was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. A family liaison officer will continue to keep their parents updated as our investigation progresses.
"The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination over the coming days by experts, as part of our usual investigative enquiries.
"Officers have also been taking statements from a number of adults who were either on the coach or were travelling in the area at the time as part of their work to establish the full circumstances of the collision.
"The examination of the scene has been completed, however the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council.
"Neighbourhood officers will be present outside the school over the coming days and anyone with any concerns is welcome to speak to them."
6
Emily Manning, 10, climbed on board the doomed 70-seater after an end of term trip to the zoo but was told to get off because it was already full
6
Police on guard outside Minehead Middle School
Credit: SWNS
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘Gangster granny' BANNED from Asda for ‘masterminding yellow sticker scam' before fleeing on mobility scooter
‘Gangster granny' BANNED from Asda for ‘masterminding yellow sticker scam' before fleeing on mobility scooter

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

‘Gangster granny' BANNED from Asda for ‘masterminding yellow sticker scam' before fleeing on mobility scooter

The pensioner claims bosses have 'got the wrong gran' STICKY STUFF 'Gangster granny' BANNED from Asda for 'masterminding yellow sticker scam' before fleeing on mobility scooter Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PENSIONER dubbed "gangster granny" has been banned from her local Asda after she allegedly masterminded a cunning yellow sticker scam. Jan Rhodes, 67, was allegedly caught out swapping reduced stickers on products in the store on Hall Road, Norwich, according to Asda. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Jan Rhodes was allegedly swapping reduced stickers on products Credit: SWNS 4 She was issued with a three-year ban from her local Asda Credit: SWNS The pensioner is said to have come up with the cunning scheme to net cheap deals on products but was snared by CCTV, Asda claim. Dubbed "gangster gran" by locals for her alleged role in dreaming up the scheme, Jan has hit back against her ban. She claims that Asda have "got the wrong gran" but bosses are convinced they have caught her red handed. They say "gangster gran" was caught on in-store CCTV swapping reduced labels on products before fleeing on her mobility scooter. Jan was handed a three-year ban from the store in a bid to put an end to her yellow sticker scam. The granny claims that her ban is unfair and has fought against it. Jan told the Eastern Daily Press: "I went in to buy three things and while I was there, the security came up to me and said I wasn't allowed in anymore. "I've never done that. "I'm angry and I'm upset. I used to go in there all the time. I know loads of them in there. I just want to prove them wrong." Jan's partner, Rob Gillies, claims one item allegedly misappropriated in his partner's scam was a pack of bacon. Jan is alleged to have bought the bacon the day before she was banned. Gangster gran who used family to run UK-wide cocaine ring & splashed cash on designer accessories for her CAT is jailed Rob returned the next day to show staff the product's expiration date in an effort to prove it was offered at reduced prices. Jan and Rob both claim the bacon was reduced and was bought the day it was expiring. Leanne Hutchings, Jan's stepdaughter, has also argued the case, going into the store to ask that her stepmother be unbanned. Leanne claims that the ban is a case of mistaken identity and that her stepmother is innocent. 4 Jan and her partner claim the allegations are false Credit: SWNS 4 Jan says the ban is a case of mistaken identity Credit: SWNS Staff at the store claimed that Jan had been abusive but Leanne said this is nonsense. Leanne added: "She [Jan] would never be nasty to someone." An Asda spokesperson told The Sun: 'We ask all customers to treat our colleagues and stores with respect and do not tolerate any form of abuse. "While banning a customer is always a last resort, this decision was taken due to repeated disruptive and abusive behaviour.'

‘One of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history' – Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner slammed for coach decision
‘One of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history' – Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner slammed for coach decision

Scottish Sun

time4 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

‘One of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history' – Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner slammed for coach decision

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JANNIK SINNER has rehired the fitness coach that played a key role in his failed drugs tests last year. Prior to winning Wimbledon this summer, Sinner, 23, served a three-month ban after twice testing positive for banned substance clostebol in March 2024. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Jannik Sinner has reunited with fitness coach Umberto Ferrara Credit: Getty 3 Sinner, 23, recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final Credit: Getty Sinner's explanation was that a spray purchased over-the-counter in Italy by fitness coach Umberto Ferrara had been used by physio Giacomo Naldi to treat a cut. Naldi is then said to have contaminated Sinner with the substance while massaging his feet. The world No1 was not initially suspended, and in August last year an International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) tribunal determined that he bore "no fault or negligence" for the contamination. Following the decision, Sinner axed both Ferrara and Naldi and went on to win the US Open and Australian Open. The Italian went on to hire Novak Djokovic's former fitness team Marco Panichi and Ulises Badio - but parted with both prior to his Wimbledon triumph. Sinner has since filled the vacancy by turning back to Ferrara, in a decision that has raised eyebrows among the tennis community. Former doubles Grand Slam champion Paul McNamee wrote on X: "Jannik Sinner rehiring Umberta Ferrara has to be up there as one of the most astonishing PR moves in tennis history. You can afford to hire anyone in the world. Why oh why Jannik?" Sinner eventually served a three-month ban after this year's Australian Open following the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) decision to appeal the ITIA's previous verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Prior to the appeal reaching a courtroom, an agreement was reached between WADA and Sinner for the reigning No1 to serve a three-month ban - which enabled him to return in time for his home tournament in Rome, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Upon axing Ferrara and Naldi last August, Sinner said: "I'm not feeling that confident to continue with them." Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner interrupted as umpire forced to make 'most Wimbledon announcement ever' Since then, Ferrara appeared to attempt to shift the blame towards Naldi during an interview with Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport. Sinner's fitness coach said: "I very clearly communicated to Naldi both the nature of the product, and the fact that it must not come into contact with Jannik for any reason." He then went onto add: "I suggested that he use it because he had a cut on his finger that wasn't healing and was affecting his work. I only allowed it to be used in my personal bathroom. "Naldi did not deny being told about it, but he said he did not remember." Confirming Ferrara's return to the team, a Sinner statement read: "Jannik Sinner has reappointed Umberto Ferrara as his fitness coach with immediate effect. "The decision has been made in alignment with Jannik's management team as part of ongoing preparations for upcoming tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open and U.S. Open. 'Umberto has played an important role in Jannik's development to date, and his return reflects a renewed focus on continuity and performance at the highest level.' Sinner has withdrawn from next week's Masters 1000 event in Canada. The Wimbledon champion is next scheduled to appear in Cincinnati, before his US Open title defence begins next month.

Boy, 10, died of head injuries in school bus crash
Boy, 10, died of head injuries in school bus crash

Telegraph

time5 hours ago

  • Telegraph

Boy, 10, died of head injuries in school bus crash

Vanessa McKinlay, the assistant coroner for Somerset, read the evidence of identification from Ben Batley, the coroner's officer. 'He was aged 10 at the time of his death and he was a student,' the statement said. 'Oliver's death was confirmed at 5pm on July 17 by the attending paramedic at the A396 at Timberscombe, near Minehead. 'The brief circumstances of the death are that Oliver was a student of Minehead Middle School who was being taken back to Minehead by coach with a number of other children and staff having been on a trip to Exmoor Zoo. 'The coach came off the A396 road at Timberscombe into a steep wooded area. 'Oliver was found seated in the coach with his seat belt on. His death was confirmed by the attending paramedic. 'Oliver's provisional cause of death is head injury pending results of laboratory investigations.' Inquest to resume in the new year Ms McKinlay said the inquest has been listed to resume on January 14 with a one-day hearing to involve evidence from witnesses including the adult passengers on the coach, other witnesses, the coach driver, and specialist collision investigators and vehicle examiners. 'The likely scope of the inquest will be the events of the day prior to the coach leaving the road, the circumstances in which the coach left the road and Oliver's medical cause of death,' Ms McKinlay said. 'I would like to close by offering my condolences to Oliver's family.' The short hearing was only attended by members of the media. A number of children involved in the crash were discharged from hospital over the weekend, while two children and three adults remain in hospital. Online fundraisers for those affected have raised more than £25,000. The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination by experts.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store