Joint statement released after bus overturned carrying Frome College staff and students
Emergency services were called to the incident at approximately 3.35pm yesterday afternoon
Last updated 9th Aug 2023
A joint statement has now been released by Frome College and Avon and Somerset Police after a bus overturned yesterday afternoon carrying staff and students.
It happened just by the entrance to the College on Bath Road, with the police confirming 45 people were on board at the time.
At the scene, the air ambulance also attended yesterday as a precaution - but it wasn't needed to transport anyone to hospital.
Principal Emma Reynolds said: "Some students were injured and taken to hospital, others received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
"Staff and students were understandably very shaken by this experience.
"We are grateful to the emergency services for their swift and professional response last night and we would also like to thank the local community for all their support."
From Avon and Somerset Police, Inspector Matthew Reed said: "Yesterday's collision was a serious incident, which must have been frightening for all involved. I would like to pay tribute to the students, parents/carers and staff for the courage they showed in very distressing circumstances.
"Unfortunately several students were taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment. Our thoughts are with them, and we wish them a speedy recovery."
The coach driver tested negative at the scene for drugs and alcohol, and the coach will now be looked over by a police examiner.
The driver will also be interviewed by police 'at a later date'.
What happened yesterday
Yesterday, a small number of people were taken to hospital following an RTC involving a school bus near Frome.
Emergency services received a call from a member of the public at approximately 3.35pm, with routes on B3090 Oldford Hill shut off to traffic while investigations were carried out.
A number of passengers on-board were schoolchildren - as well as staff - from Frome College.
Some of the passengers suffered from minor injuries, with paramedics at the scene assessing their injuries.
None of their injuries are said to be life changing, but a few of those who suffered injuries were taken to hospital for further treatment.
On Twitter yesterday, Frome College released a statement, saying: "This afternoon a coach, carrying our students and staff, was involved in a road traffic accident outside Oldford. The emergency services remain on the scene, along with our Principal and Vice Principal.
"We have been informed that there are no life threatening injuries. We will issue a further statement once all the details are established, and ask that you do not speculate or post details of the accident on social media."
Avon and Somerset Police asked motorists to avoid the area for much of the evening, but the road has since reopened.
Drivers were allowed to drive on it again at 10pm last night.
Inspector Reed said: "A full investigation into the collision is underway. The bus driver and company are assisting us with our enquiries.
"We’d ask people do not speculate on the cause of the collision at this time while these enquiries are carried out.
"However we can confirm breathalyser tests were carried out at the scene and returned a negative result. The vehicle has been seized and will be examined, as per normal procedures."
Officers are also liaising with the school, as well as parents and guardians.