Major incident declared following coach crash carrying 70 people in Somerset as passengers are rushed to hospital
The coach crashed near Minehead on Thursday afternoon as it was bringing children back to Minehead Middle School from a daytrip, according to the coach operator.
Peter Prior-Sankey, director of coach company Ridlers, said: 'We were made aware of an incident involving one of our 70-seater vehicles at about 3.15pm this afternoon, understood to have taken place as a group of school pupils were returning from a daytrip.
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'We have since been liaising with both the school, and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident.
'Everyone within the Ridlers team is of course deeply concerned and anxious to find out more detail – particularly concerning the welfare of the driver and passengers.
'While we wait for further information from police and other emergency teams, our hearts of course go out to the school pupils and to our driver. We will be doing everything possible to understand what has happened.'
The Transport Secretary has said she is being kept updated on a bus crash near Minehead in Somerset. In a post on X, Heidi Alexander said: 'I'm aware of the serious incident involving a bus near Minehead, Somerset.
I'm aware of the serious incident involving a bus near Minehead, Somerset. My thoughts are with all those involved. The emergency services are on scene, and I am receiving regular updates on the situation.
— Heidi Alexander MP (@Heidi_Labour) July 17, 2025
'My thoughts are with all those involved. The emergency services are on scene, and I am receiving regular updates on the situation.'
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: 'We understand the coach was carrying approximately 60-70 people and was heading to Minehead Middle School at the time. We can confirm a number of casualties have been conveyed to hospital.
'The large majority of passengers have been taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross and we are working with the school to help them return at the earliest opportunity.
'Officers are at the school to help with that process, and we would ask any parents to please head there.'
In a post on X, Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said: 'I have heard news about a distressing road traffic incident around Wheddon Cross this afternoon.
'Emergency services are present, so please give them space to work. My thoughts are with all involved in the incident.'
The A396 remains closed and officers asked for people to avoid the area.
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