A tragic accident occurred on Thursday, July 17, when a school coach en route to Minehead Middle School flipped onto its roof and slid down a 20-foot embankment along the A396. The crash claimed the life of one child, while two others were airlifted to hospital. In total, 21 people were hospitalized following the incident.
Emergency services, including Avon and Somerset Police, ambulance teams, and Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, responded swiftly to the scene around 3 pm. Upon arrival, they found the overturned coach partially down the steep bank.
Gavin Ellis, representing Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, praised the rapid and tireless efforts of the emergency crews managing extrications and medical treatment under challenging conditions. He also acknowledged the crucial role of an off-duty firefighter who was traveling behind the coach and immediately began helping trapped passengers.
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“This was a very complex and technically difficult incident,” Ellis said. “Our crews worked diligently to release those trapped and assist casualties as quickly and safely as possible.”
The community is mourning the loss and supporting those affected as investigations into the crash continue.