Latest news with #A396
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Boy, 10, killed when bus overturned & slid down 20ft bank on way back from school trip is named
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 6 6 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 6 6
The Independent
4 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Minehead school to reopen for first time since fatal bus crash
A Minehead school will reopen on Monday for the first time since a bus crash which left one pupil dead and others injured. Minehead Middle School in Somerset closed on Friday after a school bus with 60 to 70 of its pupils and staff crashed on Thursday afternoon while returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo. A 10-year-old boy died and six children and three adults remain in hospital after the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the road, down a steep slope. The crash happened between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm. Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised for victims following the incident and members of the community have left tributes at the school. A spokeswoman on behalf of Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the school, said that it would be open on Monday.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Two children and two adults remain in hospital after school bus crash that killed a boy, 10, when 70-seater overturned and slid down 20ft slope
Two children and two adults are still in hospital after the horrific school bus crash that killed a 10-year-old boy. A 70-seater a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils on Thursday crashed off the road, flipped onto its roof and slid 20ft down a steep bank. A total of 21 people were injured in the crash as it drove year 5 pupils back from an end of term trip to the zoo. Four children and three adults remain were in hospital - the two remaining youngsters were taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by air ambulance following the accident. A police spokesperson said the investigation into the crash was ongoing. One boy, Jayden, who was on the bus and suffered a suspected broken collarbone in the crash, visited Minehead Middle School to lay flowers at the scene earlier today with his mother Kim. He said: 'I just remember climbing up the hill to get back on the road and that's it. On his injuries, Jayden said: 'I'm alright, it just hurts.' A 70-seater a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils on Thursday crashed off the road, flipped onto its roof and slid 20ft down a steep bank. Pictured: People lay floral tributes at the scene She told the BBC she has had to break the news of the child's death to Jayden, adding: 'He's lost a friend.' Emergency services, including five helicopters, rushed to the scene on the A396 in Somerset to free passengers who had become trapped inside the bus. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to save the lives of children by immediately starting to free them minutes after the collision. But he has said he 'couldn't sleep' because of the scenes he witnessed. Alan Jones, 64, ferried passengers to safety by driving them to a safe hub on his quad bike. Mr Jones, who now works as a trainer and lives at East Harwood Farm, said he took a total of eight adults and children to the Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross. 'They're just so innocent and it wasn't their fault. It was a sorry sight,' he said. 'When you hear it's children from a middle school, I should think everybody dropped everything like I did, because it's just something about children - they're pretty helpless, really. 'I think it would have been wrong not to try and help. I was there in under 10 minutes. 'When I got there, the road was closed and the police were everywhere. Everybody was just looking at the bus. 'I didn't know there were any fatalities at the time, but I knew there were children still in the bus, and all of the police officers were just basically around the bus and there wasn't anybody else about, really; I was the only local person there.' Dozens of pupils, parents and local residents who laid flowers outside the front gates of the school - which closed on Friday following the tragedy. 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 told the BBC.
The Independent
5 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Former jockey who helped Minehead crash victims says he ‘couldn't sleep'
A former professional jockey who helped adults and children involved in a school bus crash said he 'couldn't sleep' because of the trauma of what he saw. Alan Jones, 64, ferried passengers to safety by driving them to a safe hub on his quad bike following the crash in Somerset on Thursday. A 10-year-old boy died and six children and three adults remain in hospital after the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope. The bus had been carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School, who were returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo days before the end of term. Mr Jones, who now works as a trainer and lives at East Harwood Farm, said he took a total of eight adults and children to the Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross after their school bus overturned. As he had a quad bike, he felt he would be able to get to the road, which had been closed, via the fields and took a rope with him. 'It's the most remote place,' he said. 'The children coming out of that accident wouldn't have known where they were. 'I think it would have been wrong not to try and help. I was there in under 10 minutes. 'When I got there, the road was closed and the police were everywhere. Everybody was just looking at the bus. 'I didn't know there were any fatalities at the time, but I knew there were children still in the bus, and all of the police officers were just basically around the bus and there wasn't anybody else about, really; I was the only local person there.' He said he first helped two teachers on the side of the road. As he drove the two women slowly round the bends towards the pub, he saw a group of children and one adult who had been instructed to head to the pub which had been set up as a safe hub. He said: 'They were just sort of stranded there. They didn't know what was going on, really. 'They wouldn't have known where they were and there were high trees behind and in front of them because the road runs through the cliff a bit. 'You could see they were injured and crying and upset. 'It was too far, these were very young middle school children. They'd just been upside down in a bus, over a cliff, all the windows had broken in the bus, and they'd scrambled out and been helped out by emergency services. 'I presume some of them were told to make their way up but they just couldn't walk up.' When he got to the top, ambulances picked up the two women so he returned to pick up another teacher and child. He said: 'They were in shock. They didn't really say a lot. 'One teacher said: 'I'm never going back on a bus or coach ever again'.' Mr Jones said he could not get to sleep when he returned home to bed. 'They're just so innocent and it wasn't their fault. It was a sorry sight,' he added. 'When you hear it's children from a middle school, I should think everybody dropped everything like I did, because it's just something about children – they're pretty helpless, really. 'They couldn't even walk to the pub because they just got tired, which is quite sad.' The crash happened 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 road, down a steep slope. Recovery of the vehicle and the investigation are complex, and the PA news agency understands the road will remain closed until the beginning of next week. Fundraisers have also been set up for affected families, amounting to tens of thousands of pounds in total so far. Tributes have been left at the school, which remained closed on Friday.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Former jockey who rescued injured children from school coach crash that killed boy, 10, says he 'can't sleep' from the horror of what he saw inside
A former professional jockey who helped rescue adults and children involved in a horrific school bus crash said he 'couldn't sleep' because of the scenes he witnessed. Alan Jones, 64, ferried passengers to safety by driving them to a safe hub on his quad bike following the crash in Somerset on Thursday. A 10-year-old boy died and six children and three adults remain in hospital after the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope. The bus had been carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School, who were returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo days before the end of term. Mr Jones, who now works as a trainer and lives at East Harwood Farm, said he took a total of eight adults and children to the Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross after their school bus overturned. As he had a quad bike, he felt he would be able to get to the road, which had been closed, via the fields and took a rope with him. 'It's the most remote place,' he said. 'The children coming out of that accident wouldn't have known where they were. 'I think it would have been wrong not to try and help. I was there in under 10 minutes. 'When I got there, the road was closed and the police were everywhere. Everybody was just looking at the bus. 'I didn't know there were any fatalities at the time, but I knew there were children still in the bus, and all of the police officers were just basically around the bus and there wasn't anybody else about, really; I was the only local person there.' He said he first helped two teachers on the side of the road. As he drove the two women slowly round the bends, he saw a group of children and one adult who had been instructed to head to the pub which had been set up as a safe point. He said: 'They were just sort of stranded there. They didn't know what was going on, really. 'They wouldn't have known where they were and there were high trees behind and in front of them because the road runs through the cliff a bit. 'You could see they were injured and crying and upset. 'It was too far, these were very young middle school children. They'd just been upside down in a bus, over a cliff, all the windows had broken in the bus, and they'd scrambled out and been helped out by emergency services. 'I presume some of them were told to make their way up, but they just couldn't walk up.' When he reached the top, ambulances picked up the two women so he returned to pick up another teacher and child. He said: 'They were in shock. They didn't really say a lot. 'One teacher said: 'I'm never going back on a bus or coach ever again'.' Mr Jones said he could not sleep when he returned home to bed. 'They're just so innocent and it wasn't their fault. It was a sorry sight,' he added. 'When you hear it's children from a middle school, I should think everybody dropped everything like I did, because it's just something about children - they're pretty helpless, really. 'They couldn't even walk to the pub because they just got tired, which is quite sad.' The crash happened 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 road, down a steep slope. Recovery of the vehicle and the investigation are complex, and the PA news agency understands the road will remain closed until the beginning of next week. Fundraisers have also been set up for affected families, amounting to tens of thousands of pounds in total so far. Tributes have been left at the school, which remained closed on Friday.
