Child who died in school coach crash was 10-year-old boy, police say
Emergency services near the scene of a bus crash on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, near Minehead (Ben Birchall/PA)
The child who died in a school coach crash in Somerset was a 10-year-old boy, police have said.
Six children and three adults remain in hospital after a school bus left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday afternoon.
The vehicle had been returning to Minehead Middle School from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 pupils and staff on board when the incident occurred.
A woman looks at floral tributes at the entrance to Minehead Middle School in Minehead, Somerset (Ben Birchall/PA)
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on Friday that a 10-year-old boy had died in the crash.
Formal identification has not yet been completed, but specially trained officers are supporting his next of kin.
The school’s headteacher Laura Mackie told ITV she was “completely heartbroken”.
She said: “The loss is unimaginable and we keep the student we have lost in our hearts.
“I am thinking of the student that we lost, their family, their friends and all of their loved ones.
“I am thinking of my staff team who are amazing and dedicated and all of our wonderful students that have been affected by this awful incident. It has just been horrific.”
Two children were taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by air ambulance following the incident, while four other children and three adults remain in hospital in Somerset, a police spokesperson said.
The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday.
The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft (six metres) from the roadway, down a steep slope.
An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately.
Recovery of the vehicle and collision investigation are complex, and police expect the road to remain closed for a considerable time.
Minehead Middle School, which caters for pupils aged between nine and 14, and is five days away from the end of term, remained closed on Friday.
Emergency services near the scene of a bus crash on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, near Minehead (Ben Birchall/PA)
On Friday, a stream of people came to the school to pay respects, leaving floral tributes and messages at the gates.
Many were visibly upset and could be seen hugging and supporting each other.
The driver of the coach is reported to be in a stable condition but has suffered “a number of injuries”.
In a statement, Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “On behalf of the emergency services, I would like to thank the 24 volunteers from Exmoor Search and Rescue who carried out first aid triage at the rest centre and have rope and search skills.
“I also pass on thanks to the staff of the Rest and Be Thankful pub at Wheddon Cross, which opened its doors as the rest centre.”
Mr Edgington appealed for witnesses or those with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
He also asked for people to avoid speculating about the circumstances of the crash on social media, to prevent further distress to the children, their families, school staff and the driver.
People look at the floral tributes at the entrance to Minehead Middle School in Somerset (Ben Birchall/PA)
He added: “Our thoughts go out to all those involved, their families, friends and colleagues.”
Dozens of bouquets of flowers, balloons, and messages have been left at the school.
One said: “Thinking of everyone at this heartbreaking and devastating time.
“Our community is holding you all tight and surrounding you with love.”
Another said: “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.”
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.”
A note left on a bunch of flowers among the floral tributes at the entrance to Minehead Middle School in Somerset (Ben Birchall/PA)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.”
Speaking to the PA news agency outside the school gates, the Rev Philip Butcher, the vicar of Minehead, said the community was in shock.
“It was absolutely numbing, there are no words to describe what happened yesterday,” he said.
“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.”
