| Two children taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by air ambulance following a collision on Exmoor remain in hospital.
Tragically, a 10-year-old boy died in the collision. Formal identification processes have not yet been completed, but a specially trained officer is supporting their next of kin. Four children and three adults remain in hospital in Somerset. Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle collision on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at 3pm on Thursday 17 July. Up to 70 people – children and adults travelling to Minehead Middle School – were understood to have been on the coach. Teams from Avon and Somerset Police, Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service were all involved at the scene, supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter, as well as Devon Air Ambulance, and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “On behalf of the emergency services I would like to thank the 24 volunteers from Exmoor Search and Rescue who carried out first aid triage at the rest centre and have rope and search skills. “I also pass on thanks to the staff of the Rest and Be Thankful pub at Wheddon Cross, which opened its doors as the rest centre. “Of course, we also recognise the efforts of Minehead Middle School, for keeping parents and carers informed and providing support to the school community during what is a difficult and distressing time for them all.” The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20 feet (six metres) from the roadway, down a steep slope. Recovery of the vehicle and collision investigation are complex, and we expect the road to remain closed for a considerable time. A thorough and detailed examination of the scene is required, and the location of the vehicle makes both the investigation and the vehicle recovery more challenging. C/Supt Edgington added: “We continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam footage which could be relevant to contact us. Please call 101 and give the reference 5225201782. “Please avoid speculating about the circumstances on social media, to prevent additional distress for the children, their families, the school community, staff and the driver, who are all deeply affected by what’s happened. “Our thoughts go out to all those involved, their families, friends and colleagues.” |
Month: July 2025
Bougham Bash
The Bougham Bash will go ahead tomorrow as planned. We think it is an opportunity for the community to come together after yesterdays tragic event.
Marion, Kate and Rev Nicola
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St Petrock’s Church
There will be a time of quiet prayer in the church this morning at 9am for anyone who would like to come.
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Police Statement 9pm Thursday
Shortly before 3pm this afternoon, emergency services were called to a collision involving a coach on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, in Exmoor.
Approximately 60 to 70 people were believed to be onboard at the time.
A major incident was declared, with police, fire and ambulance services dispatching crews to the scene.
The coach was carrying a number of adults and children to Minehead Middle School when it overturned.
We can confirm tonight that one child has sadly died. A formal identification process will need to be carried out, but our thoughts and sympathies are with their family, who we are in contact with. A specially-trained officer will be providing them with support.
A number of other people have presented or been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance.
Many passengers either sustained minor injuries or were physically unharmed and were transferred to a rest centre. Work to help them return to Minehead has been taking place throughout the evening.
An investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out and we’d please ask any witnesses to please call 101. We would please ask people avoid speculation around the circumstances at this time, out of respect for the families, staff and the driver who will all be deeply affected by this collision, as that is likely to only add to their distress.
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Drop In Information Hub
Update – A representative from MAGNA will also be attending to answer resident’s questions.
Please take this opportunity to speak with them.
Any resident requiring transport to the Hall can call the Good Neighbours Team on 07391870332
Timberscombe 