**Minehead Community Mourns After Fatal School Coach Crash, Nine Remain in Hospital**
The town of Minehead has been left reeling following the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy in a devastating school coach crash on Thursday afternoon. The accident has resulted in nine others being hospitalised, with two children understood to be receiving specialist treatment in Bristol.
The incident occurred as students from Minehead Middle School were returning from an end-of-term visit to Exmoor Zoo. The 70-seater coach, one of two hired for the school outing, reportedly veered off the road and overturned, coming to rest some 20 feet down a steep embankment. Eyewitnesses reported a frantic scene as emergency services rushed to the challenging, rural location.
A significant emergency response was mobilised, involving local police, ambulance teams, air ambulances, and volunteers from Exmoor Search and Rescue. Two children with serious injuries were airlifted to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where they continue to receive medical care. Four other children, along with three adults, remain under observation at hospitals across Somerset.
Efforts to recover the stricken vehicle are ongoing, with police highlighting the complexity of the task due to the challenging terrain and the need for a thorough investigation at the scene. Specialist equipment, including cranes, has been brought in, and teams have had to cut back trees to allow safe access. Authorities anticipate that the affected road will remain closed for a considerable length of time.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Minehead Middle School, along with five other local schools, remained closed on Friday out of respect for those affected and to allow the community to grieve. Outside the gates of Minehead Middle School, a growing collection of floral tributes has taken shape, reflecting the shock and sorrow that has gripped the community.
Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington of Avon and Somerset Police praised both the resilience of emergency responders and the support shown by local organisations, stating, “We owe our thanks to the 24 volunteers from Exmoor Search and Rescue who gave first aid support at the rest centre, as well as to the staff of the Rest and Be Thankful pub, who opened their doors to those in need. The school itself has been remarkable in keeping parents and carers informed during this exceptionally difficult period.”
Mr Edgington also appealed for witnesses to come forward and reminded residents to refrain from speculation online, emphasising the deep impact the incident has had on both those directly involved and the wider community.
Tributes have poured in from across the region, with families, friends, and local leaders expressing condolences for the young victim and support for those continuing to receive treatment. The headteacher of Minehead Middle School described the past 24 hours as “the most challenging in the school’s history,” and urged pupils, staff, and families to seek support as needed.
The coach operator, Ridlers Coaches, has confirmed that the driver involved is currently stable in hospital, although he has sustained several injuries. Director Peter Prior-Sankey stated that staff are in contact with the driver’s family and are providing ongoing support during his recovery.
As the investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues, Avon and Somerset Police stress that no conclusions have been reached. The community remains united in grief and in hope for the recovery of those still in hospital.
In the days ahead, support services are being coordinated for pupils and families affected. Local authorities have promised regular updates, while counselling and practical help have been made available. For now, Minehead stands together in mourning—its thoughts very much with the victims and their families.