Eastleigh bus crash: 17 children hurt after double decker bus crashes into river

Usa today news

11 hours ago

The bus crashed into a river in Hampshire (Picture: UKNIP)

A major emergency response is underway in Bishopstoke after a Bluestar double-decker bus carrying students crashed through railings and into the River Itchen, injuring nearly 20 children. The crash occurred on Bishopstoke Road near Eastleigh earlier this morning. The College 607 service was transporting students from Barton Peveril College, which has confirmed its students were involved. Multiple Casualties, Helicopters Deployed According to South Central Ambulance Service, three patients have been taken to hospital in a high priority condition, while 14 others with less serious injuries are being treated at the scene. A spokesperson said: "We have sent multiple units to the incident including five ambulances, two helicopters, and specialist response units. All patients have now been removed from the bus and are being assessed. Access is being restricted to the cordoned area while emergency care is ongoing." ??Massive Emergency Presence Air ambulances, firefighters, and multiple paramedic teams remain at the scene. The River Itchen area near Bishopstoke Road is currently cordoned off to the public. Residents and motorists are urged to avoid the area. College Statement and Parent Support Hub Barton Peveril College issued an urgent statement to reassure families: "We are aware of an incident involving the College 607 Bus. College staff are working closely with police to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students." "For concerned parents, an Incident Centre has been established at The Hub at Bishopstoke, where college staff and officers are on hand to assist." What We Know So Far The bus crashed through railings and ended up in the River Itchen near the Toby Carvery. The cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed. Eyewitnesses reported ???a huge response??? from emergency services, including air ambulance landings nearby. An incident command post has been established on site. Witness Appeal Authorities are likely to investigate how the crash — The bus crashed into a river in Hampshire (Picture: UKNIP)

Around 17 children have been injured after a double-decker bus crashed into a river near Eastleigh in Hampshire.

The 607 college bus was carrying students at Barton Peveril Sixth Form when it smashed through a barrier and hit the water.

The driver and two passengers have been taken to hospital with fourteen others being treated for injuries.

All patients have now been taken off the bus ferrying 19 children to the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rated college.

Photos from the scene show children stuck on the top deck of the submerged bus as passers-by rush to help.

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Worried parents are gathering at the incident centre set up at The Hub at Bishopstoke as they wait for updates.

Eastleigh’s Mayor Janice Asman told Metro: ‘The crash ‘sounds awful. I express my sympathies to all concerned.’

Parent Scott Agass told the Daily Echo: ‘We are just waiting for our son who was onboard. He said he was sitting there with a blanket and a monitor on his finger.

Students were riding to school at Barton Peveril College when the bus left the road (Picture: Google)

‘He doesn’t really know what happened or what caused it. I suppose it just happened so quick. All he saw was that it crashed and gone in the river.’

Police asked terrified parents to not attend the scene as an Incident Centre has been established nearby.

‘An officer and college staff will be available at the Hub to provide updates and address any questions you may have.’

The bus company Bluestar said they do not know what caused the crash and are investigating.

General manager Richard Tyldsley added: ‘Reports suggest the bus left the highway and came to rest in a shallow river.

‘There were 19 passengers on-board at the time. Our driver and at least two of the passengers have confirmed injuries, and we are awaiting further updates on the status of others on-board.

‘We do not currently have full details of their injuries and are following their progress closely.

‘Our thoughts are with everybody involved, and we wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery.’

South Central Ambulance Service said: ‘We have sent multiple units to the incident, including five ambulances, two helicopters, and specialist response units.

‘We’re continuing to support and assess patients on scene. Currently there are three high priority patients all who have been removed from the bus and are being taken to hospital.

‘Around 14 with less serious injuries being treated on scene.’

The road from an Esso garage on the B3037 near Chickenhall Lane has been closed by police.

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