Schools ran by Beacon Education Trust close after Minehead bus crash
One child died and several people are being treated in hospital for serious injuries
School bosses have confirmed six schools ran by the Beacon Education Trust will be closed today, Friday 18 July, after yesterday's school bus tragedy in Minehead.
One child died and several people are being treated in hospital for serious injuries following the incident, happened when the coach, which was returning from a school trip to Exmoor Zoo, slid down a 20ft bank.
The coach was travelling back from the Devon zoo to nearby Minehead Middle School in Somerset with approximately 60 to 70 passengers on board when it left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill.
Staff and pupils were among 21 people taken to hospital for treatment, including several who suffered serious injuries.
The road remained shut overnight, Avon and Somerset Police said.
'Everyone at Ridlers is truly devastated'
It has also been confirmed by the owner of the coach company that the driver is in a stable condition in hospital.
Ridlers Coaches director Peter Prior-Sankey said in a statement: "Everyone at Ridlers is truly devastated by yesterday's tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers remain with the pupils, their families, and the school.
"Our thanks go to the incredible emergency service teams for their response, and to those across our local hospitals and community who have done so much for those impacted over the last 24 hours.
"I can confirm that the driver is himself in a stable condition in hospital, but with a number of injuries. We are in contact with his wife and family, and have offered ongoing support."
He added that staff at the company are being supported and he and his team are liaising with Somerset Council.
Mr Prior-Sankey said a decision had been made not to run any school routes into Minehead today, and that ongoing discussions will be had over the coming days concerning any other affected routes or contracts.
A stream of people have begun laying flowers outside Minehead Middle School.
Staff from Old Cleeve Pre-School wrote: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragic incident."
Another said: "Thinking of everyone at this heartbreaking and devastating time.
"Our community is holding you all tight and surrounding you with love."
In a statement, the Beacon Education MAT said: “Following the serious incident involving a coach yesterday (Thursday 17 July), all six schools in Beacon Education Trust will be closed today, Friday 18 July.
“This is a very difficult time for our school communities. The decision to close has been made so that we can begin to support our pupils, families and staff following this tragic event.
“We are working with the Local Authority and other agencies to put support in place. Further updates will follow when more information is available.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
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