Prime Minister Expresses Sorrow Following Tragic School Bus Crash in Somerset
A tragic incident in Somerset has led to the death of a child and left 21 people hospitalised, including several with significant injuries, after a coach carrying schoolchildren and staff overturned and slid down a steep embankment. The accident occurred shortly after 3pm on Thursday afternoon along the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, an area known for its sharp slopes and challenging driving conditions.
The bus, a 70-seater operated by local firm Ridlers, was returning pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School back from an end-of-term educational excursion to Exmoor Zoo. Authorities have indicated that the majority of those on board were children, estimated to number between 60 and 70.
Emergency services responded swiftly, declaring a major incident as the scale of the crash became clear. Avon and Somerset Police reported the presence of 20 double-crewed ambulances, three air ambulances, and eight fire engines at the scene, alongside numerous specialist rescue personnel. Among the injured, two children were airlifted to hospital to receive urgent care.
An off-duty firefighter, who happened to be driving behind the coach at the time, immediately began assisting in the evacuation of passengers—an action praised by emergency service officials at a subsequent press conference. Gavin Ellis from Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service described the situation as extremely complex, with the coach having come to rest on its roof after sliding approximately 20 feet down the embankment. He commended the attending crews for their rapid, coordinated response under such challenging circumstances.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded to the news in a statement, expressing his deep sadness and extending condolences to the bereaved family and all those affected. “There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child,” said Sir Keir, emphasising the heartbreak felt by the broader community and giving thanks to the emergency workers who acted with remarkable speed and professionalism.
The crash site, situated between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, remains cordoned off as police continue their investigation into the cause of the accident. The road is expected to remain closed for some time as forensic teams carry out thorough assessments and vehicle recovery teams work to clear the scene.
Locals have described the incident as shocking and deeply distressing. One resident living nearby, who did not wish to be named, commented on the steepness of the slope and the lack of barriers along the roadway. “You get used to it around here—you barely notice it. I can’t believe it happened. It’s horrendous, and my heart goes out to all those children and everyone involved,” they said.
The impact of this tragedy has reverberated through the school community. A spokesperson from the Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which oversees Minehead Middle School, confirmed the death of a pupil and recounted the deep sorrow felt across the school. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and all those affected by this terrible accident. Our entire school community are devastated by this news, and we will do everything we can to support everyone affected,” their statement read.
With the academic term set to end in less than a week, the incident has overshadowed what should have been a time of celebration for pupils and staff. Support services are being offered to students, staff and families as they try to process the enormity of the event.
Police have appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage to aid their ongoing investigation. In the meantime, tributes have begun pouring in for the young victim, and the local area has been left reeling in the wake of one of its most serious road incidents in living memory.
As further details emerge about the causes of the crash, attention is likely to turn to road safety along the A396 and what measures might be taken to prevent such heartbreak in future. For the community of Minehead and the wider Somerset region, however, the priority remains supporting those most directly impacted by this devastating loss.