Major incident declared after coach crashes on way back from school trip

A major incident has been declared after a coach bringing children back from a school trip crashed near Minehead, Somerset.

The coach, which had 60-70 people on board, crashed on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, according to Avon and Somerset Police. It had been heading to Minehead Middle School at the time.

There have been a number of casualties who have been taken to hospital. The force said most of the passengers have been taken off the coach and to a rest area, adding that it is "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," it said. Police said earlier that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were working to free the remaining occupants on the coach.

Peter Prior-Sankey, director of coach operator Ridlers, told Sky News he "was made aware of an incident involving one of our 70-seater vehicles at about 3.15pm this afternoon". "We have since been liaising with both the school, and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident," he said.

"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." The A396 remains closed and the force is asking people to avoid the area. Minehead Middle School has pupils aged between nine and 14, and is five days away from the end of term.

In a post on X, local MP Rachel Gilmour said: "I have heard news about a distressing road traffic incident around Wheddon Cross this afternoon. "Emergency services are present, so please give them space to work.

My thoughts are with all involved in the incident." Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is "aware of the serious incident" and "receiving regular updates on the situation"..