Three children have been taken to hospital after a school bus crashed into a railway bridge in Newport this morning, blocking rail lines and causing widespread disruption near Newport station.
Incident details
The collision occurred on East Usk Road, Newport, and involved a public service bus used by local pupils. Students from Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed and St Julian’s School were on board at the time.
Jo Townsend, whose son was among the injured children, received a phone call at 7.45am from her son telling her the bus had been involved in a crash. She rushed to the scene, where a nearby nursery had opened its doors to allow paramedics to assess the children.
Emergency response
Gwent Police attended along with crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service. A spokesperson for Gwent Police confirmed the collision involved a school bus and a railway bridge.
The three injured children were taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident at approximately 07:49 on Tregare Street, Barnardsown, Newport. Crews have since withdrawn from the scene.
Rail disruption and statement
Rail operators affected by the disruption include CrossCountry, Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales. Transport for Wales warned passengers: "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 said: "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."
Council response and investigation
Newport City Council named the two schools involved and confirmed a formal investigation will be launched into the circumstances surrounding the crash. A council spokesperson said: "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."
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council, thanked all those involved in the swift response. 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."
The formal investigation will be supported fully by the council, which will continue to work closely with emergency services and partners.
