Minehead: Boy, 10, killed in school bus crash with two in hospital

The child who died in a school bus crash in Minehead was a 10-year-old boy, police have confirmed. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "Formal identification processes have not yet been completed, but a specially trained officer is supporting their next of kin."

Six children and three adults were still in hospital on Friday after the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near the town in Somerset and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday (July 17). The vehicle had been returning to Minehead Middle School from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 passengers on board.

The police spokesperson said two children were taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by air ambulance while four other youngsters and three adults remained in hospital in Somerset.

The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20 feet (six metres) away. Recovery of the vehicle and an investigation into the collision are said to be complex. Police expect the road to remain closed for a considerable time.

A stream of people came to the school gates on Friday morning to leave flowers and tributes to the victims of the crash. Many left messages of condolence. One read: "Thinking of everyone at this heartbreaking and devastating time.

"Our community is holding you all tight and surrounding you with love."

Another read: "We are truly heartbroken to hear of the tragic events affecting the pupils, staff and families of Minehead Middle School. Our thoughts are with every member of the community, and we hold you all in our hearts during this time of unimaginable grief."

Minehead Middle School, which is for pupils aged nine to 14, is five days away from the end of term. Its gates remained closed on Friday.

One of the school's teachers posted on Facebook: "My amazing students, I couldn't be prouder of all of you, how incredibly brave you have been. You have looked after each other in what was a life-changing event, we will get through this together.

"I feel so lucky to be your teacher. I am so grateful to my wonderful colleagues during this time who were also fighting to help as many people as we could. My deepest condolences to all parents, carers, family and friends involved.

"Finally, thank you to the emergency services who have saved many lives and to the brilliant public who went out of their way to look after myself and most importantly the wonderful students of Minehead Middle School."

Rev Philip Butcher, the vicar of Minehead, said the community was in shock. He said: "It was absolutely numbing, there are no words to describe what happened yesterday.

"It's an absolute tragedy and one that's still very much unfolding. We're just standing firm with the school, with the families at this time, just to be with them in this time as a point of support."

The crash happened at about 3.15pm on Thursday, according to the police. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately.

At a press conference on Thursday, Gavin Ellis from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "I'm grateful to the off-duty firefighter who was travelling behind the coach at the point of the crash, who was able to start making immediate effect to release those casualties from the bus."

He added: "This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped and as quickly and as safely as possible."

Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which runs the school, said yesterday: "It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we confirm that a pupil from Minehead Middle School has tragically died following a road traffic incident earlier today involving a coach carrying pupils and staff returning from an educational visit.

"A number of other people have been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance."

The trust said its thoughts and prayers were with the family and friends of those affected and the entire school community was devastated by the news.