Emergency services rushed to a Lancashire village after a school bus carrying dozens of children had its roof ripped off when it collided with a low bridge. The incident left one eight-year-old boy with a head injury requiring hospital treatment.
Chaotic Scene After Bridge Strike
The bus, transporting pupils from Wood Fold Primary School in Standish, ploughed into the bridge on Spendmore Lane in Coppull at around 12.30pm. The impact was so severe that the entire roof of the vehicle was sheared off. Dramatic pictures from the scene showed the detached roof lying behind the bridge, with the bus itself remaining stuck underneath.
Police and firefighters were called to the scene to assist. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police confirmed to the BBC that all those on board were safely taken off the damaged vehicle. The two teachers accompanying the children and the bus driver emerged physically unhurt from the shocking collision.
Multiple Children Treated for Minor Injuries
In the aftermath of the crash, medical staff assessed approximately 30 children. Paramedics treated eight of them for minor injuries at the roadside. The most serious casualty was the eight-year-old boy, who sustained what was described as a 'nasty cut to the head' and was subsequently rushed to hospital for further care.
North West Ambulance Service confirmed that all other children involved were discharged from their care following assessment. A spokesperson for Wigan Council stated: "Paramedics attended the scene to assist with a number of minor injuries. One pupil, however, has been taken to hospital for treatment and we wish them a speedy recovery."
Road Closure and Aftermath
The road was closed for about three hours while emergency crews worked at the scene and the stricken bus was recovered. Following the incident, arrangements were made to transport the shaken children back to Wood Fold Primary School on an alternative coach. The council then facilitated for all pupils to be collected from the school by their families.
The council spokesperson added: "We are aware of an incident on Spendmore Lane in Coppull this afternoon involving pupils from Wood Fold School." The investigation into the precise circumstances of the low bridge accident is likely to be ongoing, with authorities examining how the collision occurred.
