Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, was visibly emotional during a live BBC interview after a tragic school bus crash earlier today, July 17. The crash involved a coach carrying between 60 and 70 passengers, headed to Minehead Middle School.
Avon and Somerset Police held a press conference at 9 p.m., confirming that one child died in the accident, while two other children were airlifted to hospital. In total, 21 people were transported to medical facilities following the serious incident.
Emergency services responded to the crash at approximately 3 p.m. on the A396. Upon arrival, authorities found the coach had veered off the road and overturned at a difficult location near the top of Exmoor. A major incident was declared, with fire crews working to free several individuals trapped inside.
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Most passengers managed to evacuate on their own. Local publican Eric Norman of the Rest & Be Thankful in Wheddon Cross opened his premises to offer refuge for parents and teachers, and some gather at the nearby village hall.
During the interview, Gilmour praised emergency responders and local community members for their swift support. She revealed she had visited Minehead Middle School just six weeks ago, describing it as a “fantastic, loving, kind school.” Overcome with emotion, she wiped away tears as she spoke about the devastating impact of the crash on the close-knit community.
Gilmour shared her heartbreak, saying, “It’s unimaginable—you wave your children off on an end-of-term school trip, and then this happens.” She noted the children were likely returning from a visit to Exmoor Zoo and expressed deep sympathy for the affected families.
Those who weren’t hospitalized were taken to a rest center in Wheddon Cross, and police urged parents to go to the school where officers are assisting. The A396 remains closed, with authorities requesting that the public avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate without obstruction.
Avon and Somerset Police have asked for patience as the investigation continues and promised to release further updates as soon as information becomes available.