Multiple children have been taken to hospital after two separate bus collisions occurred on dangerously icy roads across the UK, with the nation now preparing for the arrival of a major winter storm.
Two Serious Incidents on Treacherous Roads
Emergency services were called to two serious road incidents on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, as a widespread frost gripped the country. The first collision happened in Berkshire and involved a public service bus and a school coach. The second incident occurred in Kent, where a school bus left the road and landed in a ditch.
In the Berkshire crash, a total of eighteen people sustained injuries. Nine schoolchildren on the coach were hurt, along with the coach driver and eight adults from the public bus. While most injuries were described as minor, two patients required further treatment at hospital.
Responding crews at the Berkshire scene confirmed that road conditions were "very icy," a situation predicted by the Met Office which had warned of an "icy start" to the day for many regions.
Nation Braces for Oncoming Storm Goretti
The hazardous conditions come as the UK readies itself for the impact of Storm Goretti, which has been named by Meteo France. The storm is forecast to sweep in from Thursday, bringing strong winds and significant snowfall to central and southern parts of the country through Friday.
In response, the Met Office has issued a series of Yellow and Amber snow warnings covering large swathes of England and Wales. Forecasters are predicting accumulations of over 20cm (8 inches) of snow in some places, which is likely to cause severe travel disruption, potential power cuts, and dangerous conditions on the roads.
Travel Disruption and Safety Warnings
The bus crashes serve as a stark warning of the dangers posed by winter weather. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution if they must travel, and to pay close attention to the evolving weather forecasts and official warnings.
The combination of existing ice and the anticipated heavy snow from Storm Goretti is expected to create a prolonged period of hazardous travel conditions across the UK. Drivers are advised to check routes before setting out, allow extra time for journeys, and ensure their vehicles are prepared for winter driving.
