Tragic school bus crash claims the life of a child in Somerset
- A school bus accident occurred in Somerset on July 17, 2025, killing one child and injuring others.
- Emergency services including helicopters and ambulances responded rapidly to the scene, transporting several victims to hospitals.
- The incident has led to an investigation and raised concerns about safety measures for school outings.
In Somerset, England, a tragic accident occurred on July 17, 2025, involving a school bus that was returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo. The bus, carrying around 60-70 middle school children and staff from Minehead Middle School, overturned and went down a steep 20-foot embankment on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, just before 3 p.m. Local authorities reported that the crash resulted in one child deceased at the scene and two others sustaining serious injuries. Emergency services, including three medical helicopters and 20 ambulances, were rapidly dispatched to manage the unfolding emergency. The aftermath saw 21 individuals taken to various hospitals for treatment, and many passengers were treated for minor injuries. Some were even airlifted due to the severity of their conditions. The local community, alongside police and emergency responders, worked immediately to assist the victims. The rescue operations were described as complex, with rescue teams needing to use specialized equipment to extricate some children from the wreckage, highlighting the horrific nature of the crash. As of later in the evening, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the tragic toll, with acknowledgments of a significant loss impacting friends, families, and the broader community. Various public figures, including the Secretary of State for Education and local MP Rachel Gilmour, expressed their condolences and commitment to ensuring support for all affected. The seriousness of the incident raised discussions about safety measures for school outings and transportation policies for children. An official investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident. As the community mourns, the focus is on providing support for families impacted by this devastating event while ensuring any necessary measures are taken to prevent future tragedies of this nature.