A child has died and several others were seriously injured after a coach overturned while carrying school pupils on Exmoor in Somerset.
Emergency services were called to the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, near Wheddon Cross on Exmoor, shortly before 3pm on Thursday (17 July).
The coach, carrying approximately 60 to 70 people including children and adults, left the road, slid down an embankment and overturned onto its roof.
Avon and Somerset Police said a major incident was declared, with multiple police, fire and ambulance units deployed to the scene.
A spokesperson for the force said: “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 casualties were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries. This included two children airlifted by air ambulance. Others with minor or no injuries were transferred to a rest centre and arrangements were made to return them to Minehead.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it sent eight fire engines and two specialist rescue appliances to the scene, later supported by additional resources.
A spokesperson added: “Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances.
“They also helped our ambulance colleagues to treat the casualties.
“This was a complex and technically difficult incident and we’re grateful for the tireless actions of the crews in doing everything they could to free those who were trapped as quickly and safely as possible.”
An off-duty firefighter who witnessed the crash also helped at the scene.
The cause of the collision is under investigation. Police are appealing for witnesses and urging people not to speculate online about what happened, out of respect for those involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101.
