An emergency incident has been declared in Somerset after a bus carrying school children on a day trip crashed.
The 70-seater vehicle was taking pupils back to Minehead Middle School when the incident happened.
Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene of the crash on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, near Minehead, this afternoon.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a number of casualties have been taken to hospital.
GETTY | Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene of the crash on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, near Minehead, this afternoon (stock image)
Other passengers were taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “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 A396 remains closed and officers asked for people to avoid the area.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Peter Prior-Sankey, director of coach company 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.
"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.”
Police received reports that a bus had left the road near the junction with Ashwell Lane and Steart Lane at about 3pm.
South Western Ambulance Service said in a statement shortly before 4.30pm: "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 for Tiverton and Minehead, said her "thoughts are with those involved".
Google | The crash occurred on the A396 Cutcombe Hill near Minehead"I have heard news about a distressing road traffic incident around Wheddon Cross this afternoon, the MP posted to X.
"Emergency services are present, so please give them space to work. My thoughts are with all involved in the incident."
The Transport Secretary said she is being kept updated on the crash.
In a post on X, Heidi Alexander said: “I’m aware of the serious incident involving a bus near Minehead, Somerset.
“My thoughts are with all those involved.
“The emergency services are on scene, and I am receiving regular updates on the situation.”
More From GB News