A school bus carrying pupils slid off a road and into a ditch in Kent on Wednesday morning, with all children escaping unharmed. The incident, attributed to treacherous black ice, prompted a major emergency response.
Emergency Services Rush to Chilmington Green Scene
Kent Police were alerted shortly after 8am on Wednesday 7 January 2026 following reports that a bus had left the A28 at Chilmington Green, Ashford. The vehicle, operated by Stagecoach and travelling towards Homewood School in Tenterden, ended up in a ditch.
Officers, paramedics and three fire engines from Kent Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene. Their priority was to assist the passengers—reported on social media to be a full load of school children—in safely disembarking from the stricken vehicle. A police spokesperson confirmed that paramedics were on site as a precaution, but thankfully there were no reported injuries.
Black Ice Blamed for "Slipping" Incident
In an official statement, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the bus was believed to have "slipped" off the road due to black ice. The service used the opportunity to issue a stark warning to all motorists.
"Crews are reminding everyone to use extra caution when driving in cold temperatures as there could be black ice on the roads," the statement read. It advised drivers to avoid sudden braking and leave plenty of space between vehicles.
Stagecoach Praises Driver's "Calm and Professional" Response
Stagecoach South East confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 8.13am on Wednesday 7 January. Joel Mitchell, the managing director, expressed gratitude for the driver's conduct during the alarming event.
"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 said. He confirmed that Stagecoach is co-operating fully with local authorities and that the circumstances are currently under review.
Kent Police remained at the scene to assist with the recovery of the bus and manage the situation. The event underscores the hidden dangers of winter driving, even on routine school runs.
