From Avon & Somerset Police:
Shortly before 3pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to a collision involving a coach on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, in Exmoor.
Approximately 60 to 70 people were believed to be onboard at the time.
A major incident was declared, with police, fire and ambulance services dispatching crews to the scene.
The coach was carrying a number of adults and children to Minehead Middle School when it overturned.
We can confirm tonight that one child has sadly died. A formal identification process will need to be carried out, but our thoughts and sympathies are with their family, who we are in contact with. A specially-trained officer will be providing them with support.
A number of other people have presented or been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance.
Many passengers either sustained minor injuries or were physically unharmed and were transferred to a rest centre. Work to help them return to Minehead has been taking place throughout the evening.
An investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out and we’d please ask any witnesses to please call 101. We would please ask people avoid speculation around the circumstances at this time, out of respect for the families, staff and the driver who will all be deeply affected by this collision, as that is likely to only add to their distress.
Earlier Update:
A major incident has been declared as emergency services work together to respond to a collision involving a coach on the A396 this afternoon.
From Avon & Somerset Police:
“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 road remains closed. We’d please ask people avoid the area so emergency services’ response to this incident is not impacted.
“We also ask for the public’s patience at this time.
“This is an ongoing incident and we will provide further updates as soon as they become available.”
