5 Ayrshire pupils suffer minor injuries in Alton Towers trip crash
Two coaches carrying pupils from Ardrossan Academy crashed while on their way to Alton Towers this morning.
Five pupils from Ardrossan Academy have suffered minor injuries after two coaches carrying pupils crashed while on their way to Alton Towers.
The four buses from North Ayrshire were on their way to the theme park this morning when the accident happened.
Reports suggest a car pulled out in front of one bus and the driver had to slam on the brakes - with the coach behind crashing into it.
Passengers were checked at the scene by paramedics and there were no serious injuries and the coaches continued on their way to the theme park in a replacement bus.
North Ayrshire Council confirmed two buses carrying pupils from Ardrossan Academy were involved in a minor collision and there were no serious injuries.
A spokesperson said: "A minor accident involving two coaches taking pupils from Ardrossan Academy to Alton Towers happened this morning shortly after 8am.
"As a precautionary measure, paramedics were called and five pupils received treatment for superficial cuts.
"Eighty-nine pupils, from first, second and third year, along with staff were on board the two buses at the time.
"The incident happened approximately 15 minutes from Alton Towers and, after paramedics confirmed that they had no concerns about any of the pupils or staff, a local bus company stepped in to take the pupils on to Alton Towers."
Ardrossan Academy Head Teacher Lisa Chalmers said: “Parents should be reassured that pupils have been thoroughly assessed by paramedics and no-one has suffered any serious injuries although five pupils have received treatment for some minor cuts.
“Although the paramedics made it clear that all pupils were fine to travel on to Alton Towers, we have opted to be cautious and taken the decision that no child would be allowed on any of the rides until we had explicit approval from a parent or immediate family member.
“I would like to thank the pupils and our staff, as well as the paramedics who attended and also the local coach company who stepped in to ensure the children were able to make their way to the park after the accident.
“The spirits of the pupils and staff are high and they are still determined to enjoy the outing. New coaches are being provided to bring the pupils home and we expect the return arrangements to remain the same.”