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Sunday 22/02/2026

Tragic Coach Crash Claims Young Life in Somerset

Community mourns with flowers outside Minehead Middle School
Aya NakamuraAya Nakamura

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A tragic coach crash in Somerset resulted in the death of a 10-year-old boy and left nine others hospitalized.
  • The incident occurred as the coach was returning from a school trip to Exmoor Zoo, carrying around 70 people, mostly students from Minehead Middle School.
  • Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into the crash, which involved the coach flipping onto its roof and sliding down an embankment.
  • Community support has been overwhelming, with flowers laid at the school and local leaders expressing their condolences and offering assistance.
  • The crash has prompted discussions about mental health support for affected students, with local MP Rachel Gilmour seeking government funding for therapy.

A devastating coach crash in Somerset has left a community in mourning after a 10-year-old boy was killed and nine others were hospitalized. The tragic incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon as a coach carrying students from Minehead Middle School was returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo. The vehicle, carrying approximately 70 passengers, flipped onto its roof and plunged 20 feet down an embankment near Wheddon Cross.

Community in Mourning

The headteacher of Minehead Middle School, Laura Mackie, expressed her "complete devastation" over the loss. "The loss is unimaginable," she said, adding that her thoughts are with the student's family and friends. The community has rallied together, with flowers being laid outside the school and messages of support pouring in from local residents and officials.

Investigation Underway

Avon and Somerset Police have declared a major incident and are conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. The road remains closed as cranes are used to recover the overturned coach. Police have urged witnesses to come forward to aid in the investigation. The driver of the coach is among those hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition.

Emergency Response and Support

The emergency response involved multiple agencies, including the Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service and the South Western ambulance service. A rest center was established at a local pub to provide first aid and support to those affected. Local MP Rachel Gilmour has been actively involved, seeking government funding for mental health support for the students impacted by the tragedy.

Expressions of Sympathy

The incident has drawn widespread sympathy, with public figures like Keir Starmer expressing condolences. "There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child," he stated on social media. The community continues to offer support, with messages of love and solidarity being shared widely.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As the investigation into the Somerset coach crash continues, authorities will be focusing on determining the cause of the accident. This could lead to discussions about the safety protocols for school trips and the condition of vehicles used for transporting children. The community's response highlights the importance of mental health support in the aftermath of such tragedies, and the push for government funding could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future. Additionally, the incident may prompt a review of emergency response strategies to ensure swift and effective action in critical situations.