Tragic School Coach Crash in Somerset Claims Child's Life
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- A tragic coach accident in Somerset resulted in the death of a child and injuries to 21 others, including two seriously.
- The coach, carrying pupils from Minehead Middle School, overturned and slid down an embankment near Wheddon Cross.
- Emergency services, including air ambulances, responded swiftly, with an off-duty firefighter assisting at the scene.
- Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into the crash, urging witnesses to come forward.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences, highlighting the community's devastation over the incident.
A devastating accident involving a school coach in Somerset has left a community in mourning after a child was killed and 21 others were injured. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a coach carrying pupils from Minehead Middle School overturned and slid down an embankment near Wheddon Cross, following a school trip to Exmoor Zoo.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The crash, which took place at approximately 3:00 PM BST, prompted a major incident declaration by Avon and Somerset Police. Emergency services, including three air ambulances and over 20 ambulances, rushed to the scene to assist the approximately 70 passengers onboard. An off-duty firefighter, who was traveling behind the coach, was among the first to provide aid, helping to free trapped passengers before the arrival of rescue teams.
Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, described the operation as "extremely difficult," with crews working tirelessly to extricate and treat casualties. Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations for South West Ambulance Service, confirmed the tragic death of a child at the scene.
Community and Official Reactions
The incident has deeply affected the local community, with Beacon Education, the organization overseeing Minehead Middle School, expressing their devastation and commitment to supporting those impacted. Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences via social media, acknowledging the profound loss and thanking emergency workers for their swift response.
Investigation Underway
Avon and Somerset Police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, urging witnesses to come forward with any information. Ch Supt Mark Edgington emphasized the importance of refraining from speculation to avoid further distress to the families and individuals involved.
Company and Local Reactions
Ridlers, the coach company involved, confirmed their 70-seater vehicle was part of the incident and expressed their commitment to understanding what transpired. Local residents described the scene as "horrendous," highlighting the steep and wooded nature of the embankment where the crash occurred.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation into the Somerset coach crash unfolds, authorities will focus on determining the factors that led to this tragic event. Potential outcomes could include safety reviews of school transport protocols and vehicle maintenance checks. The incident may also prompt discussions on improving emergency response strategies for rural areas. Legal and community support for the affected families will be crucial in the coming weeks, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking accident.
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Tragic School Coach Crash in Somerset Claims Child's Life
In This Article
Ethan Brooks| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- A tragic coach accident in Somerset resulted in the death of a child and injuries to 21 others, including two seriously.
- The coach, carrying pupils from Minehead Middle School, overturned and slid down an embankment near Wheddon Cross.
- Emergency services, including air ambulances, responded swiftly, with an off-duty firefighter assisting at the scene.
- Avon and Somerset Police have launched an investigation into the crash, urging witnesses to come forward.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences, highlighting the community's devastation over the incident.
A devastating accident involving a school coach in Somerset has left a community in mourning after a child was killed and 21 others were injured. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a coach carrying pupils from Minehead Middle School overturned and slid down an embankment near Wheddon Cross, following a school trip to Exmoor Zoo.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The crash, which took place at approximately 3:00 PM BST, prompted a major incident declaration by Avon and Somerset Police. Emergency services, including three air ambulances and over 20 ambulances, rushed to the scene to assist the approximately 70 passengers onboard. An off-duty firefighter, who was traveling behind the coach, was among the first to provide aid, helping to free trapped passengers before the arrival of rescue teams.
Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, described the operation as "extremely difficult," with crews working tirelessly to extricate and treat casualties. Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations for South West Ambulance Service, confirmed the tragic death of a child at the scene.
Community and Official Reactions
The incident has deeply affected the local community, with Beacon Education, the organization overseeing Minehead Middle School, expressing their devastation and commitment to supporting those impacted. Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences via social media, acknowledging the profound loss and thanking emergency workers for their swift response.
Investigation Underway
Avon and Somerset Police have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, urging witnesses to come forward with any information. Ch Supt Mark Edgington emphasized the importance of refraining from speculation to avoid further distress to the families and individuals involved.
Company and Local Reactions
Ridlers, the coach company involved, confirmed their 70-seater vehicle was part of the incident and expressed their commitment to understanding what transpired. Local residents described the scene as "horrendous," highlighting the steep and wooded nature of the embankment where the crash occurred.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As the investigation into the Somerset coach crash unfolds, authorities will focus on determining the factors that led to this tragic event. Potential outcomes could include safety reviews of school transport protocols and vehicle maintenance checks. The incident may also prompt discussions on improving emergency response strategies for rural areas. Legal and community support for the affected families will be crucial in the coming weeks, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking accident.
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