A child has died after a coach carrying school pupils overturned on the A396 in Somerset. The vehicle, returning from an end-of-term trip to a zoo, flipped onto its roof and slid down an embankment near Cutcombe Hill on Exmoor.
Emergency services declared a major incident shortly before 3pm. Twenty-one people were taken to hospital, some with serious injuries, including two children airlifted by helicopter. An off-duty firefighter who was following the coach began rescuing passengers before crews arrived, freeing those trapped.
Avon and Somerset Police Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said approximately 60 to 70 people were on board. He urged the public not to speculate on the cause, as an investigation is underway. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, stating there were “no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child”.
South Western Ambulance Service sent 46 resources, and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue deployed 60 personnel. Chief Fire Officer Gavin Ellis described the operation as “complex and technically difficult” due to the wooded, steep terrain. The coach company Ridlers confirmed one of its 70-seat vehicles was involved, with director Peter Prior-Sankey expressing sympathy for the pupils and driver.
Parents gathered at Minehead Middle School and a makeshift rest centre at a local pub, where villagers helped direct anxious families. Farmer Roger Webber said the community was in “complete and utter shock”. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is receiving regular updates.
