Emergency services have descended on an A-road in Somerset after a bus carrying schoolchildren home from a day trip crashed and trapped them onboard.
The A396 is closed in both directions near Wheddon Cross, with fire, police and more than six ambulances all on scene.
The 70-seater vehicle was taking pupils back to Minehead Middle School when the incident happened.
Peter Prior-Sankey, director of coach company Ridlers, said: ‘We were made aware of an incident involving one of our 70-seater vehicles at about 3.15 pm this afternoon, understood to have taken place as a group of school pupils were returning from a daytrip.
‘We have since been liaising with both the school and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident. Everyone within the Ridlers team is, of course, deeply concerned and anxious to find out more details, particularly concerning the welfare of the driver and passengers.
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‘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.’
Metro contacted a local pub, The Rest and Be Thankful, near Exmoor, which is working as an emergency centre for the crash. They declined to comment on the situation.
Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘Emergency services are responding to a collision on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe.
‘Calls came in at about 3 pm reporting a bus had left the road near the junction with Ashwell Lane and Steart Lane.
‘Most passengers have been taken off the bus. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are working to free the remaining occupants, and the ambulance service is also on the scene.
‘We have no confirmed information on the number of casualties or the level of injuries. Emergency services have well-rehearsed plans for responding to such incidents.’
Initial reports have claimed the bus was carrying children on a school trip but this hasn’t been confirmed.
South Western Ambulance Service said they are responding to the scene. The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance left and landed in Bristol.
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.’
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