**Off-Duty Firefighter Hailed for Swift Rescue Following Fatal School Bus Crash near Minehead**
A devastating school outing turned into a nightmare yesterday when a coach carrying dozens of children and adults overturned near Minehead, Somerset. The tragic incident claimed the life of a young Year 5 pupil and left at least 21 others hospitalised, some with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency crews were called to Cutcombe Hill on the A396, a rural stretch between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, just after 3pm on Thursday afternoon. The vehicle, which belonged to Ridlers Coaches, was returning pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School following a trip to the zoo. The crash occurred approximately 20 minutes from the school, as the bus reportedly lost control, rolled, and slid down a 20-foot embankment before coming to rest on its roof.
Remarkably, an off-duty firefighter who happened to be driving behind the coach reacted instantly. Witnesses reported seeing the firefighter leap into action, helping to pull several children from the tangled wreckage even before emergency services arrived. The bravery and immediate response have been widely commended by both the public and the authorities.
Gavin Ellis, the chief fire officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, gave details of the harrowing scene during a press address in Bridgwater. He described it as a “major incident,” highlighting the difficult and dangerous conditions rescue teams faced while extracting those trapped inside the overturned bus. Mr Ellis expressed deep appreciation, stating, “Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely challenging circumstances, and they worked closely with ambulance personnel to provide urgent care to the injured.”
He also emphasised the critical role played by the off-duty firefighter, noting, “I’m especially grateful to the firefighter who was able to begin freeing casualties from the bus before our arrival. His actions undoubtedly made a significant difference in those crucial moments.”
The South Western Ambulance Service dispatched an extensive response, deploying 46 emergency units to the scene. This included 20 ambulances, three air ambulances, hazardous area response teams, and a command unit. Two of the injured children were airlifted to hospital, while other victims sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe, with some motorists and teachers able to escape unaided.
The response from the community and leadership has been emotional. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented, “This is a heartbreaking event, and there are no words that can express the tragedy of a child’s death. My full sympathies are with the family of the deceased, the injured, and everyone affected by this incident.” He also acknowledged the critical role of emergency workers in the immediate aftermath.
Minehead Middle School, which falls under the Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, released a statement acknowledging the loss and expressing the community’s devastation. “It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we confirm a pupil from Minehead Middle School has died after a road traffic incident involving a school coach. Our whole school community is devastated by this news,” a spokesperson announced. The Trust reassured families that dedicated support would be ‘available to all those affected in the coming days.’
Authorities have since launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash, with early efforts focusing on both mechanical and environmental factors on that stretch of road. Survivors were taken to a local rest centre in Wheddon Cross, where they were reunited with families and provided with emotional and medical support.
The tragedy has cast a sombre shadow over the West Somerset community. While many will be haunted by the events of that afternoon, the courage shown by ordinary individuals—especially from a firefighter who happened to be off-duty—offers a rare glimmer of hope and humanity amid the heartbreak.
As the affected families begin the difficult process of grieving and healing, the investigation continues, and tributes pour in for those lost and injured. Local authorities and education leaders have pledged ongoing support and counselling for pupils, staff, and parents shaken by the day’s events.