Latest news with #MineheadMiddleSchool
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Boy killed in bus crash near Minehead while returning from school trip named by cops
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. A 10-year-old boy who died in a bus crash while returning from a school trip to a zoo has been named by police. Oliver Price was killed when the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead, Somerset, and slid down a 20ft slope last Thursday, Avon and Somerset Police said. 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. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: "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 under way 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 inquiries 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." A number of children were discharged from hospital over the weekend while two children and three adults remain in hospital, the force said. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. It is understood that those still in hospital are now in a stable condition. The crash happened between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 3.15pm on July 17. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the road, down a steep slope. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. Avon and Somerset Police said officers from the serious collision investigation team have been examining the circumstances of the incident. The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination by experts. "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," a force spokesman said. "The examination of the scene has been completed, however, the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council." Following the tragedy, a stream of people visited the school, which has pupils aged between nine and 14, to pay respects and leave tributes at the gates after the crash. Many were visibly upset and were hugging and supporting each other. Online fundraisers for those affected have raised more than £25,000.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
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. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
10-year-old boy who died in bus crash named by police
A 10-year-old boy who died in a bus crash while returning from a school trip to a zoo has been named by police. Oliver Price was killed when the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead, Somerset, and slid down a 20ft slope last Thursday, Avon and Somerset Police said. 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. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: '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 under way 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 inquiries 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.' A number of children were discharged from hospital over the weekend while two children and three adults remain in hospital, the force said. It is understood that those still in hospital are now in a stable condition. The crash happened between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 3.15pm on July 17. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the road, down a steep slope. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. Avon and Somerset Police said officers from the serious collision investigation team have been examining the circumstances of the incident. The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination by experts. '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,' a force spokesman said. 'The examination of the scene has been completed, however, the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council.' Following the tragedy, a stream of people visited the school, which has pupils aged between nine and 14, to pay respects and leave tributes at the gates after the crash. Many were visibly upset and were hugging and supporting each other. Online fundraisers for those affected have raised more than £25,000.
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
10-year-old boy who died in bus crash named by police
A 10-year-old boy who died in a bus crash while returning from a school trip to a zoo has been named by police. Oliver Price was killed when the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead, Somerset, and slid down a 20ft slope last Thursday, Avon and Somerset Police said. 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. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: '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 under way 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 inquiries 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.' A number of children were discharged from hospital over the weekend while two children and three adults remain in hospital, the force said. It is understood that those still in hospital are now in a stable condition. The crash happened between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe at about 3.15pm on July 17. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the road, down a steep slope. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. Avon and Somerset Police said officers from the serious collision investigation team have been examining the circumstances of the incident. The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination by experts. '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,' a force spokesman said. 'The examination of the scene has been completed, however, the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council.' Following the tragedy, a stream of people visited the school, which has pupils aged between nine and 14, to pay respects and leave tributes at the gates after the crash. Many were visibly upset and were hugging and supporting each other. Online fundraisers for those affected have raised more than £25,000.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish 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 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 Two children and one adult are still in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset. Read More Minehead bus crash 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. Most read in The Sun 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. She got on the first of the two coaches instead and arrived home safely. But the second coach Another boy, "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 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 6 The scene yesterday after the tragic crash Credit: SWNS
