A tragic coach crash involving pupils from Minehead school has left one child dead and over 20 others injured, including some with life-altering wounds.
The coach, carrying around 60 to 70 people from a trip to Exmoor Zoo, veered off the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Wheddon Cross, crashing down a 20ft embankment and flipping onto its roof.
The incident occurred around 3.15pm on Thursday. The return journey turned into a nightmare.
Emergency services declared a major incident. Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue described the rescue as “complex and technically difficult.”
“We were mobilised to a major incident of a coach that had overturned onto its roof and slid approximately 20ft down the embankment,” said Gavin Ellis of the service.
“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…”
An off-duty firefighter was first on the scene, managing to free passengers even before full emergency teams arrived. Quick thinking and bravery likely prevented even more serious outcomes.
Pupils from Minehead Middle School, aged 9 to 14, were returning from the Devon-based zoo. The school is part of the Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust.
In a statement, the trust confirmed the fatality: “It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we confirm that a pupil from Minehead Middle School has tragically died…”
The same statement revealed that two children were airlifted to hospital and many others were rushed for emergency treatment.
Among the injured is a girl who, according to her stepfather, lost her fingers in the crash. He told the BBC about the severity of her injuries with visible distress.
In-depth coverage of the Somerset crash involving Minehead pupils sheds light on what led to the heartbreaking accident and how emergency services responded.
The road remained closed overnight as crash investigators worked the scene. Local residents expressed their horror.
“It’s horrendous, and I’m just so sorry for all those kids on that coach,” said one local, who witnessed the aftermath.
Minehead Middle School was one of six area schools that remained closed on Friday. Just five days remained until the end of term. The mood in the community is sombre and heartbroken.
A teacher from the school shared her feelings on Facebook: “My amazing students, I couldn’t be prouder of you all and how incredibly brave you’ve been…”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also responded to the tragedy on X (formerly Twitter): “A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset. There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child…”
Support services have been put in place for families, pupils, and staff, with the school and trust pledging to do all they can for those affected.
Local coach operator Ridlers, which owns the 70-seater involved, confirmed it was liaising closely with authorities and the school. The company had been providing transport for the trip to Exmoor Zoo.
As Somerset continues to reel from this incident, many are asking tough questions about road safety along the steep, unprotected slope where the crash happened.
The investigation remains ongoing. But for now, the focus is on healing – both physical and emotional – for a community struck by unimaginable grief.
