A devastating accident occurred near Minehead on Thursday, July 17, when a school bus carrying between 60 and 70 passengers overturned on the A396 road. The coach, transporting children and adults from Minehead Middle School, flipped onto its roof and slid approximately 20 feet down an embankment. The incident prompted a major emergency response, with police, fire, and ambulance crews rushing to the scene.
Tragically, one child, believed to be a Year 5 pupil, lost their life in the crash, while 21 others were hospitalized, some with serious injuries. Two children were airlifted to hospital, alongside others requiring urgent care. Many passengers sustained minor injuries or were unharmed and were taken to a rest center in Wheddon Cross for support and to facilitate their return to Minehead.
Emergency responders acted swiftly; an off-duty firefighter traveling behind the bus immediately began rescuing trapped passengers. Fire crews extricated those still inside the wreckage under challenging conditions. The South Western Ambulance Service deployed 46 resources, including 20 double-crewed ambulances and three air ambulances, to manage the major incident and provide on-site treatment.
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Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash and are urging witnesses to come forward. Authorities have appealed for sensitivity and respect for the families, school staff, and driver as the community comes to terms with the tragedy.
Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which oversees Minehead Middle School, expressed profound sorrow over the incident and assured their commitment to supporting pupils, staff, and families affected by the heartbreaking event.
Local residents described the scene as horrific, noting the steep embankment where the bus crashed lacked protective barriers. The bus company involved, Ridlers, conveyed their deep concern and cooperation with emergency services as they seek to understand the incident’s full circumstances.
Prime Minister Kier Starmer offered condolences, acknowledging the profound grief of the child’s loss and praising the emergency workers for their rapid response.
This tragic event has profoundly affected the Minehead community, with ongoing support and investigations continuing in the wake of the crash.