A major incident was declared in the West Country following a school coach crash on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, near Minehead, Somerset. The coach, which was carrying between 60 and 70 passengers returning from a day trip, crashed at approximately 3:15 pm on Thursday. Several individuals have been transported to hospital, with many others taken to a rest centre for care.
The coach was en route to Minehead Middle School, which serves pupils aged nine to 14 and is close to the end of term. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed multiple casualties have been hospitalised, and the majority of the passengers are now at a rest centre in Wheddon Cross. Police are coordinating with the school to ensure the safe and swift return of students and have requested that parents come directly to the school.
Peter Prior-Sankey, director of Ridlers, the local coach operator, expressed deep concern about the crash involving one of their 70-seater vehicles. The company is working closely with emergency services and the school to understand the situation and provide support.
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Local MP Rachel Gilmour shared her thoughts on social media, urging the public to give emergency personnel space to carry out their work and sending sympathy to those affected. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also confirmed she is receiving regular updates and extended her thoughts to everyone involved.
The A396 remains closed as emergency services continue their response, and authorities have advised the public to avoid the area.