Somerset Council’s leader has issued a heartfelt warning to the public following a tragic coach crash on the A396 Cutcombe Hill near Minehead that claimed the life of a child and injured dozens more. The accident occurred on Thursday, July 18, as a coach carrying 60 to 70 passengers—primarily schoolchildren returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo—slid approximately 20 feet down an embankment between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe.
The crash was severe, leaving multiple individuals, including the coach driver from Ridlers Coach, trapped inside the wreckage. Emergency services, together with an off-duty firefighter who was among the first at the scene, acted swiftly to rescue those involved. Two children were airlifted to hospital with serious injuries, while one child, believed to be a Year 5 pupil from Minehead Middle School, tragically died at the scene.
The local community has responded with an outpouring of grief and sympathy. Tributes and floral tributes have been left outside Minehead Middle School. Somerset Council leader Bill Revans expressed his condolences in a Facebook post:
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“Today, I join our community in mourning the heartbreaking loss of a young life in this tragedy. On behalf of the council, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and everyone affected. We also offer prayers for the recovery of those injured.
“I want to thank the emergency services, council officers, and members of the public who responded with compassion and dedication. Now is a time for us all to come together in support and grief. Somerset Council is committed to providing help to anyone who needs it during this difficult time.”
Cllr Revans also emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation about the crash while investigations continue:
“It is essential to refrain from speculation as the investigation proceeds. My thoughts remain with all those impacted by this tragedy.”
Avon and Somerset Police echoed this sentiment in their own statement, requesting witnesses to come forward and urging the public to show respect to the families, staff, and driver affected by the incident:
“We kindly ask everyone to avoid speculation at this time, as it only adds to the distress of those deeply affected.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, with witness information being critical to their efforts.