Alan Jones, a 64-year-old former professional jockey, is struggling to sleep after his involvement in rescuing children and adults from a devastating school bus crash near Minehead, Somerset. The accident occurred when a bus carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School veered off the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, sliding down a 20-foot embankment.
Tragically, a 10-year-old boy lost his life, and six children along with three adults remain hospitalized. Mr. Jones, who now works as a trainer and lives at East Harwood Farm, arrived at the remote crash scene swiftly on his quad bike. Taking advantage of his vehicle’s ability to navigate the difficult terrain, he transported eight injured passengers—including children and teachers—to safety at the nearby Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross, which was set up as a safe hub for those affected.
Describing the scene, Mr. Jones said the road had been closed by police, who were focused around the overturned bus. Many victims were stranded, disoriented, and injured, unable to find their way through the remote, wooded area. “The children coming out of that accident wouldn’t have known where they were,” he recalled. “They were injured, crying, and upset after being turned upside down in the bus, with broken windows everywhere.”
After initially helping two teachers, he shuttled more injured passengers despite the children’s exhaustion and shock. One teacher expressed a lasting fear of bus travel following the ordeal. The emotional impact stayed with Mr. Jones long after the rescue, leaving him unable to sleep. “They’re just so innocent, and none of it was their fault,” he said. “Seeing children so helpless—unable even to walk to the pub because they were too tired—was heart-wrenching.”
The crash occurred around 3:15 pm on Thursday between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe. The complex recovery and ongoing investigation have kept the road closed since, with no reopening expected before the start of next week. In the aftermath, fundraisers have raised tens of thousands of pounds to support the affected families, while tributes at Minehead Middle School honor those impacted by the tragedy, leading to the school’s closure the following day.