**Three Hospitalised Following Sixth-Form College Bus Plunge Into Hampshire River**
Emergency services responded with urgency and scale on Thursday morning after a double-decker bus carrying sixth-form students from Barton Peveril College veered off a road and landed in a river in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The incident, which occurred shortly after 10am on Bishopstoke Road, resulted in at least three people being hospitalised as “high priority” cases, with a further 14 individuals receiving treatment at the scene for less severe injuries.
South Central Ambulance Service mobilised a significant response, dispatching five ambulances, two air ambulances, and multiple specialist emergency teams to the site of the crash. As of midday, officials confirmed that all passengers had been evacuated from the bus, with the focus shifting to medical assessment and ongoing care for those affected.
In a statement, the ambulance service spokesperson remarked, “We are continuing to support and assess patients at the scene. Three individuals have been taken to hospital with serious injuries, while around 14 more are being treated for minor wounds.” The swift action of paramedics, fire crews, and police reflects the seriousness with which such incidents are handled, particularly when young people are involved.
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College has since reassured anxious parents and guardians that an incident centre has been set up at The Hub in Bishopstoke. College officials have asked that people avoid travelling to the crash site, instead directing those concerned to visit The Hub, where staff and police officers are available to provide updates and address questions.
The college’s social media updates highlighted their collaboration with the emergency response effort, stating, “Staff are working closely with Hampshire Police to ensure the welfare and safety of every student involved. We encourage parents not to attend the scene itself but to use our incident centre for support and information.”
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the closure of Bishopstoke Road for safety and investigative reasons, warning that the closure could remain in place for up to 12 hours. “Our officers are on site supporting emergency services and have accounted for all bus occupants,” a spokesperson noted. Drivers and residents were urged to avoid the area to allow recovery operations and forensic work to proceed unhindered.
Fire and rescue teams from across Hampshire, including Eastleigh, St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hightown, and Portchester, participated in the response. Their spokesperson described the incident as a “road traffic collision involving a double-decker bus that ended up in a shallow river,” and underscored the need to keep the area clear for emergency crews.
Richard Tyldsley, General Manager of Bluestar—the bus operator—stated that there were 19 passengers on board at the time of the crash, including the driver. “We are monitoring the welfare of everyone involved and offering our full support as the situation develops. Details regarding injuries are still being compiled,” Tyldsley said. He added that investigations into the cause are underway, both by Bluestar and by police authorities, with a commitment to establishing the circumstances behind the crash.
The community response has been one of concern and relief, with many expressing gratitude for the rapid intervention of emergency responders. As the situation stabilises, attention will increasingly turn to the outcomes of official investigations and the support available to those who experienced the accident.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of road travel, especially for vehicles carrying large groups, such as school pupils. In the hours ahead, investigators are expected to further examine the scene, collecting evidence and seeking insight into what caused the vehicle to leave the carriageway.
For now, the priority remains the ongoing care for those injured and the safe coordination of recovery operations. Updates are expected from both local authorities and Barton Peveril College as more information about the incident becomes available.