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A child has died and 21 others were injured, two seriously, after a school bus carrying pupils from a zoo day trip overturned and slid down a steep embankment in Somerset.
The crash occurred shortly before 3pm on Thursday (July 17) along the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe. The coach was returning children from Minehead Middle School following a Year 5 “Enrichment Week” trip to Exmoor Zoo.
Major Incident Declared
Avon and Somerset Police declared the crash a major incident, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. At least five air ambulances, 20 double-crewed ambulances, firefighters, and hazardous area response teams attended the scene.
The coach, understood to be a 70-seater operated by Ridlers Coaches, overturned onto its roof and slid approximately 20ft down a wooded bank, according to Chief Fire Officer Gavin Ellis from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
“Our crews carried out multiple rescues in extremely difficult conditions,” he said.
Casualties and Response
- 1 child confirmed dead
- 2 people critically injured, airlifted to hospital
- 21 total hospitalised, some by helicopter
- Majority of passengers taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross
- An off-duty firefighter reportedly helped in the initial rescue effort
Police confirmed that approximately 60 to 70 people were onboard the coach at the time of the crash, mostly children aged 9 to 10 and school staff.
School and Community Devastated
Minehead Middle School was placed on lockdown while parents rushed to the site, many directed by locals to a makeshift care centre at the nearby Rest and Be Thankful Inn.
School staff and specialist officers are supporting the children and families.
Police Appeal and Investigation
Superintendent Mark Edgington confirmed at a press conference:
“One child has sadly died… Two others remain seriously injured. A full investigation is underway.”
He urged the public to avoid speculation, warning that early assumptions would only add to the families’ distress.
The A396 remains closed in both directions while accident investigators assess the scene.
Coach Operator Responds
Peter Prior-Sankey, director of Ridlers Coaches, said:
“We are deeply concerned and are working closely with the school and emergency services… Our hearts go out to the children, their families, and our driver.”
National Reaction
Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the tragedy, stating:
“There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. My thoughts are with their parents, family, friends, and all affected.”
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
