Several people have been rushed to hospital after a bus that was carrying school students back from a day trip came off the road in a horrific crash.
Emergency services, including five helicopters, rushed to the scene on the A396 in Somerset to free passengers who had become trapped inside the bus.
The 70-seater vehicle was taking pupils back to Minehead Middle School when the smash happened at around 3pm.
Police said this evening there have been a ‘number of casualties’ and declared a major incident.
They added that the majority of the passengers have been taken to rest centre in Wheddon Cross and advised parents to head to the school.
Calls came in at around 3pm reporting that a bus had left the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timbsercombe.
Police said most of the passengers had been taken off the bus but fire crews were still rescuing others.
Peter Prior-Sankey, director of Ridlers, said: ‘We were made aware of an incident involving one of our 70-seater vehicles at about 3.15pm this afternoon, understood to have taken place as a group of school pupils were returning from a daytrip.
‘We have since been liaising with both the school, and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident.
Several people have been rushed to hospital after a bus that was carrying school students back from a day trip came off the road in a horrific crash. Picture from the scene
Emergency services, including five helicopters, rushed to the scene on the A396 in Somerset to free passengers who had become trapped inside the bus
Police said this evening there have been a ‘number of casualties’ and declared a major incident
‘Everyone within the Ridlers team is of course deeply concerned and anxious to find out more detail – particularly concerning the welfare of the driver and passengers.
‘While we wait for further information from police and other emergency teams, our hearts of course go out to the school pupils and to our driver.
‘We will be doing everything possible to understand what has happened.’
Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘A major incident has been declared as emergency services work together to respond to a collision involving a coach on the A396 this afternoon.
‘We understand the coach was carrying approximately 60-70 people and was heading to Minehead Middle School at the time.
‘We can confirm a number of casualties have been conveyed to hospital. The large majority of passengers have been taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross and we are working with the school to help them return at the earliest opportunity.
‘Officers are at the school to help with that process, and we would ask any parents to please head there.
The 70-seater vehicle was taking pupils back to Minehead Middle School when the smash happened at around 3pm (picture from the scene)
Police said the majority of the passengers have been taken to rest centre in Wheddon Cross and advised parents to head to the school
‘The road remains closed. We’d please ask people avoid the area so emergency services’ response to this incident is not impacted.’
South West Ambulance Service said: ‘Along with other emergency services, we’re attending a road traffic collision involving a coach near Minehead.
‘People travelling in the area are advised to avoid the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Dunster and find an alternative route.’
Rachel Gilmour MP said: ‘I have heard news about a distressing road traffic incident around Wheddon Cross this afternoon.
‘Emergency services are present, so please give them space to work. My thoughts are with all involved in the incident.
‘I advise everyone travelling across Exmoor this afternoon/evening to check their route before beginning their journey.’
Three air ambulances, including Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance, the HM Coastguard and a police helicopter are all on the scene.
