School Coach Crash in Somerset Leaves Child Dead, Community in Shock
What began as a joyful end-of-term school trip ended in unimaginable tragedy when a coach carrying pupils overturned and crashed on a remote Somerset road, killing one child and injuring over 20 others.
The incident unfolded at around 3:00pm on Thursday along Cutcombe Hill, near Wheddon Cross, a notoriously steep route in Exmoor National Park. The coach, returning from a visit to Exmoor Zoo, rolled onto its roof before sliding down a 20-foot embankment.
Emergency services responded with full force. Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident as firefighters, paramedics, and air ambulances descended on the crash site.
The vehicle was carrying around 70 individuals, mostly students from Minehead Middle School. “Today’s events are truly tragic. We know the community will be utterly devastated by this news,”
said Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington. The children onboard had spent the day enjoying what was meant to be a celebratory school trip. As the coach made its return journey, something went terribly wrong.
An off-duty firefighter driving behind the bus was among the first to offer aid before full emergency response teams arrived.
Dozens of students were trapped inside the wreckage. Rescue teams worked urgently to free them, navigating hazardous terrain and an unstable vehicle.
“Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances, and they also supported our ambulance colleagues with casualty treatment,” said Gavin Ellis of Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.
Three air ambulances and more than 20 emergency vehicles were deployed to manage a large number of casualties. Many of the children were treated on-site, while others were taken to the hospital.
“Sadly one child was pronounced dead at the scene,” confirmed Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations for South West Ambulance Service.
Two other children suffered serious injuries, while others sustained minor wounds or were treated for shock.
National leaders expressed their sorrow over the incident, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posting a message of support and grief 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. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected. Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace – I’m being kept up to date on this situation.”
Police have launched a formal investigation to determine how the crash occurred. Witnesses, including anyone with dashcam footage, have been urged to come forward.
The coach involved belongs to Ridlers Coaches, a local operator. Peter Prior-Sankey, Director of the company, confirmed their involvement. “We have since been liaising with both the school, and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident.
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.”
Minehead Middle School, part of Beacon Education, released a heartfelt statement in the wake of the tragedy. “Our entire school community are devastated by this news, and we will do everything we can to support everyone affected.
We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities, and we will support our pupils, staff, and families at this incredibly difficult time.”
People familiar with the area described the road as narrow, winding, and lacking safety barriers. “The coach has gone down the slope. It’s pretty steep around here and it’s a big coach. There are no barriers along there or anything. We’re used to it, you don’t even notice it,” a resident told the BBC.
Local MP Rachel Gilmour visited the school recently and voiced the deep sadness shared across the community. “It’s just unimaginable. You wave your children off, on an end-of-term school trip and then this happens.
I visited Minehead Middle School about six weeks ago. It’s a fantastic, loving kind school, with enthusiastic and confident children. I just know that our community will pull together.”
