An off-duty firefighter has been praised for saving children after a coach carrying school pupils overturned on a remote Somerset road. The 70-seater coach was returning to Minehead Middle School from a day trip to Exmoor Zoo when it crashed on the A396 near Wheddon Cross.
One child tragically died in the incident, while 21 others were taken to hospital. Gavin Ellis of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: 'I'm grateful to the off-duty firefighter who was travelling behind the coach at the point of the collision who was able to start taking immediate action to start releasing those casualties from the bus.'
Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington of Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the fatality. 'We can confirm tonight that one child has sadly died. A formal identification process will need to be carried out, but our thoughts and sympathies are with their family,' he said.
Teachers praised the bravery of pupils involved. One wrote on social media: 'My amazing students, I couldn't be prouder of you all and how incredibly brave you've been. You looked after each other in what was a life-changing event.'
Local resident Jill, chair of the village hall, said children were 'in shock beyond belief'. Minehead Town Council expressed deep shock and sadness, thanking emergency services for their swift response.
