Dozens of schoolchildren had a lucky escape on Wednesday morning after their bus slid off an icy road and ended up in a ditch in Kent.
Emergency Response on Icy Roads
Kent Police were called shortly after 8am on Wednesday, 7 January 2026 to reports that a bus had left the road at Chilmington Green, Ashford. The vehicle, operated by Stagecoach South East, was transporting pupils to Homewood School in Tenterden when the incident occurred.
Officers, alongside paramedics and three fire engines from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, quickly attended the scene. Their priority was to assist all passengers in safely disembarking from the bus, which had come to rest in a ditch. A spokesperson for Kent Police confirmed that paramedics were present as a precaution, but thankfully there were no reported injuries.
Cause Believed to be 'Black Ice'
In an official statement, Kent Fire and Rescue Service indicated that the primary cause of the crash was treacherous road conditions. The bus is believed to have "slipped" off the A28 road due to black ice.
The service used the opportunity to issue a stark warning to all motorists. They urged drivers to exercise extreme caution in cold temperatures, advising them to avoid sudden braking and to maintain a generous distance from the vehicle in front due to the hidden danger of black ice.
Operator Praises Driver's Calm Response
Joel Mitchell, Managing Director at Stagecoach South East, confirmed the incident took place at approximately 8.13am. He expressed gratitude for the driver's conduct, stating, "Our driver responded calmly and professionally, and I am very grateful for his actions in ensuring the safety of all passengers during a challenging incident."
Mitchell confirmed that the company is cooperating fully with local authorities and that the circumstances surrounding the incident are "currently under review." Early social media reports suggested the Stagecoach vehicle was full of school children when it left the road, a detail consistent with it being a dedicated school service.
The event underscores the seasonal hazards faced by road users, particularly those responsible for transporting children, during periods of freezing weather. The successful evacuation without injury highlights the effective response of both the driver and the emergency services.
