Four remain in hospital after school coach crash

20 July 2025

Chloe HarcombeBBC News, West of England

Hundreds of flowers were left outside Minehead Middle School following the death of a pupil

Getty Images Several bouquets of flowers laid in tribute to a boy who died. Many of them include notes and cards. There is also a teddy and a toy car on the ground. — Hundreds of flowers were left outside Minehead Middle School following the death of a pupil

Four people remain in hospital after a coach crashed on its way back from a school trip to the zoo.

A major incident was declared on Thursday after a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils left the road near Wheddon Cross in Somerset and slid down a 20ft slope.

Avon and Somerset Police previously confirmed a 10-year-old boy had died in the crash.

Earlier, the force said two children remained in hospital in Bristol and two adults were still in hospital in Somerset. It also confirmed the coach involved in the incident was recovered on Saturday.

A police spokesperson said the investigation into the A396 Cutcombe Hill crash was ongoing.

Minehead Middle School, which teaches pupils aged between nine and 14, was closed on Friday as a stream of people paid their respects and left tributes at the gates.

People gathered outside the school on Friday to pay their respects

PA Media Three people standing outside Minehead Middle School. A woman is hugging a little boy and a young girl is stood next to them. There is a row of flowers left in tribute to a pupil who died in a coach crash. — People gathered outside the school on Friday to pay their respects

The school's head teacher, Laura Mackie, was among those laying flowers.

"I'm thinking of my staff team who are amazing, dedicated, and all of our wonderful students that have been affected and impacted by this awful, awful incident.

"It's just been horrific," she said.

Several fundraisers set up by residents have amassed more than £40,000 to help those affected by the incident.

A service was held at St Andrew's Church in Minehead earlier for people to grieve and reflect.

Minehead Middle School is due to reopen on Monday.

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