A school bus collided with a railway bridge in Newport this morning, sending three children to hospital with injuries that are not thought to be life-threatening. The crash blocked rail lines and caused significant disruption near Newport station.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
The incident occurred on East Usk Road, Newport, with emergency services arriving before 8am. Jo Townsend, whose son was among the injured, received a call from him at 7.45am informing her of the crash. She rushed to the scene, where a nearby nursery had opened its doors to allow paramedics to assess the children.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "Officers attended along with crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service and the collision involved a school bus and a railway bridge. Three children have sustained injuries and will be attending hospital for treatment; their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening."
Rail Disruption and Operator Statements
Rail operators affected by the disruption include CrossCountry, Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales. Transport for Wales issued a warning: "Due to a bus colliding with a bridge between Newport and Cwmbran. Services may be delayed by up to 60 minutes or cancelled in both directions between Newport and Hereford."
Network Rail stated: "Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident on East Usk Road this morning. The railway was temporarily closed for safety checks. Train services have now resumed, but there will be residual delays while the timetable returns to normal."
Emergency Services and Schools Involved
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident at approximately 07:49 on Tregare Street, Barnardsown, Newport. A spokesperson said: "Crews attended along with Gwent Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service to a collision involving a school bus and a railway bridge. Crews and resources have withdrawn from the scene."
Newport City Council confirmed that the two schools involved are Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed and St Julian's School. The bus was a public service bus used by local pupils. A council spokesperson said: "Following a road traffic collision on East Usk Road, Newport this morning, Newport City Council is working closely with emergency services and partners in response. Our initial and ongoing priority is the wellbeing of those involved. We are very grateful to a local nursery who supported the initial response, and our education department will continue to offer support through the schools to those affected. There will naturally be a formal investigation into the incident, and the council will fully support that process."
Political Reaction and Investigation
Plaid Cymru Members of the Senedd for Casnewydd Islwyn, Peredur Owen Griffiths and Lyn Ackerman, said: "We are very concerned by this morning's school bus collision in Newport. Our thoughts are with the children who are injured and their families, we wish them a full recovery. We thank the emergency services for their response and everyone caring for those affected."
Council leader Councillor Dimitri Batrouni added: "I would like to thank all those involved in the swift response to the incident this morning and our thoughts are with those affected." A formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is set to be launched.
