A 10-year-old boy has died after a school coach carrying children and staff home from an end of term trip flipped onto its roof and slid down a 20ft bank in Somerset.
The coach was travelling back to nearby Minehead Middle School with about 60 to 70 passengers on board on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill on Thursday afternoon when the incident took place.
The school coach slid 20ft down a bank after it had gone off the road and flipped onto its roof.
Avon and Somerset Police said on Thursday evening that a child had died following the incident and 21 were injured.
Speaking outside Bridgwater Police Centre, Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “A number of other people have presented or been taken to hospital, some with serious injuries.
“This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance, many passengers either sustained minor injuries or were physically unharmed and were transferred to a rest centre.
“Work to help them return to Minehead has been taking place throughout the evening. An investigation into the cause of this incident will be carried out.”
Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement on X, saying “there are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child”.
Key Points
- Child who died after a school coach crashed was a 10-year-old boy
- How tragic Somerset bus crash unfolded
- Starmer issues statement on 'heartbreaking' crash
- In full: One child dead after school coach crash in Somerset
MP was “completely distraught” after a young child died
15:45 , Rebecca WhittakerRachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said she was “completely distraught” after a young child died following a school bus crash in her constituency.
Ms Gilmour, who was visibly upset, said: “One becomes an MP and bizarrely, we don’t think about this sort of thing, we think about the NHS and looking after our farmers and things like that.
“And then this, this is what being a community MP is all about. I’ve just been in to see the head teacher, I’m a big hugger, so I’ve been giving a lot of hugs today.
“People have been coming up and talking to me, I met one father whose daughter was on the bus.
“There’s nothing I can do to change it, there’s nothing I can do to make it better.
“I’m trying to be as pragmatic as I can because if I lose it, I won’t be able to help in the way that I need to help.”
She said her office is working with Somerset Council to seek funding from central government for follow-up therapies for children in need.
Village hall was turned into a rescue centre for the children on the coach
15:30 , Rebecca WhittakerJill Thompson, 68, the chair of Moorland Hall turned the village hall into a rescue centre.
“It was devastating but everybody in the village was running down to see what they could do. They were using the pub as triage and our hall as a hub,” she told The Times.
Some of the rescued children stayed in the village for “a couple of hours” until they had all been collected by about 6pm, with parents and children look relived when they were reunited.
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward
15:19 , Rebecca WhittakerPolice have kept the road closed and say it will remain closed for a considerable time due to the complexity of the investigation.
Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “On behalf of the emergency services, I would like to thank the 24 volunteers from Exmoor Search and Rescue who carried out first aid triage at the rest centre and have rope and search skills.
“I also pass on thanks to the staff of the Rest and Be Thankful pub at Wheddon Cross, which opened its doors as the rest centre.
“Of course, we also recognise the efforts of Minehead Middle School, for keeping parents and carers informed and providing support to the school community during what is a difficult and distressing time for them all.”
Mr Edgington appealed for witnesses to the collision to come forward.
He added: “Please avoid speculating about the circumstances on social media, to prevent additional distress for the children, their families, the school community, staff and the driver, who are all deeply affected by what’s happened.
“Our thoughts go out to all those involved, their families, friends and colleagues.”
Child who died after a school coach crashed was a 10-year-old boy
15:17 , Rebecca WhittakerA child who died after a school coach crashed near Minehead in Somerset on Thursday was a 10-year-old boy.
Six children and three adults remain in hospital.
Two children were taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by air ambulance following the incident, while four other children and three adults remain in hospital in Somerset, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Schoolgirl has a lucky escape from coach involved in crash
15:00 , Rebecca WhittakerEmily Manning, 10, who was on the school trip to Exmoor Zoo had a lucky escape when she was stopped from boarding the coach involved in the fatal crash because it was already full.
Laying flowers with her father, Nick Manning, she told The Times: “I wanted to be on the second coach because that’s where my friends were but there were too many people so I got off. I felt upset because my friends were on that bus.”
Mr Manning said it was a “nightmare”. He told the newspaper he had constant calls and messages from people checking Emily was safe.
'We stand together as a community,' one tribute outside the middle school reads
14:45 , Rebecca WhittakerResidents in the Minehead area are paying their respects following the crash by laying flowers outside the middle school.
“Our thoughts are with the student, families and teachers. We stand together as a community,” a note among the flowers read.
Pub landlord gave hospitality to the walking wounded
14:30 , Rebeca WhittakerThe landlord of a pub in Wheddon Cross near the scene of the crash gave hospitality to the walking wounded following the incident.
Eric Norman, landlord of the Rest and Be Thankful Inn, told BBC Radio Somerset his pub was used as he main area for all the walking wounded to be seen by the emergency services.
"I can honestly say the services were quick and efficient beyond belief,” he said.
The pub owner grew up in the area and has run the pub for 20 years.
"The community has pulled together immensely [...] it was no surprise at all because we're a country community therefore we know that when problems arise someone will always be there to help and do things. Simple as that."
Father-of-two sets up fundraiser for families affected by the crash
14:15 , Rebecca WhittakerA fundraiser has been launched by a father-of-two from Taunton following the coach crash near Minehead.
The campaign set up by Bobbie Rammond, 35, aims to raise money for the families most directly affected.
The business owner, who is the father to a nine and 13-year-old, is known in the area as the face of Extours - a historical walking tours and ghost walks company.
Although he doesn’t know anyone involved in the incident he said the crash has shaken the entire community.
“I think we've all felt it over here. It's just like there's a dark cloud looming over West Somerset at the moment,” he told the Independent.
“As a parent, I can only begin to imagine the heartbreak those families are going through,” he wrote on the Gofundme page.
The campaign is off to a strong start, raising over £700 in its first hour.
Avon and Somerset Police Commissioner called the incident 'heartrending'
14:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAvon and Somerset Police Commissioner Clare Moody said the crash was "heartrending".
She said: "It's awful to contemplate what the children on the coach went through and what their families have been going through since then."
Praising the emergency services she said they did an “incredible job”.
Kim grateful to 'have her baby home'
13:45 , Rebecca WhittakerKim's son Jayden was one of the children on the bus.
The mother told the BBC she is grateful to have her “baby home”.
She explained her son was meant to arrive at his grandmothers house at 4pm.
Kim later found Jayden was on the coach and he had a suspected broken collarbone.
"It's just that not knowing if they're ok, if they're safe, if they got off the bus," she said.
Kim said the off-duty firefighter who helped passengers had a daughter on the bus, the BBC reported.
Watch: Minehead MP fights back tears after child dies in school bus crash
13:30 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: Residents in Minefield lay flowers outside middle school
13:15 , Rebecca Whittaker
Exmoor Zoo shared a tribute to the 'lovely, lively well behaved group of children' involved in the crash
13:00 , Rebecca WhittakerExmoor Zoo has said fate has been “cruel” to the schoolchildren whose coach crashed on Thursday.
Minehead Middle School pupils had been returning from the Devon Zoo when their coach slid down a 20ft bank in Somerset.
In a post on Facebook, a spokesperson said: “We cannot believe that fate has been so cruel to such a lovely, lively well behaved group of children from Minehead Middle school on their way home with their coach.
“All our thoughts, blessings and prayers go out to everybody involved, we cannot comprehend what the children, their families, teachers and emergency crews are all going through now.”
Residents pay their respects as the community is 'in shock' following a crash
12:45 , Rebecca WhittakerResidents in the Minehead area are paying their respects following the crash by laying flowers outside the middle school.
On man laying flowers outside the school gates explained he was a parent himself so it was “a bit of a shock”.
Waren Roland told the BBC it is "A sad day. They were only enjoying themselves on a school trip, on the way home back to their families."
Trish Beckett was also paying her respects and told the BBC: "Having children yourself, it makes you think, makes you want to hold them a little bit closer."
'Just as one mum cries, every other mum cries,' mother-of-two says
12:30 , Rebecca Whittaker"I think as a community it's just as one mum cries, every other mum cries," mother-of-two Lianna O'Connor told the BBC.
As she was laying flowers outside the school she explained that everyone knows each other in the area.
Many people in the community have been turning their Facebook profile pictures to the school crest to show their respects to those involved in the tragic incident.
'It was absolutely numbing, there are no words to describe what happened," vicar says
12:15 , Rebecca WhittakerThe vicar of Minehead has spoken of the community's shock following a fatal school coach crash on Thursday.
Reverend Philip Butcher, vicar of Minehead, speaking outside Minehead Middle School, said: "It was absolutely numbing, there are no words to describe what happened yesterday.
"It's an absolute tragedy, and one that's still very much unfolding. We're just standing firm with the school, with the families at this time, just to be with them in this time as a point of support.”
Rev Butcher said everyone in the community was "very, very shocked" by what had happened.
"This happened yesterday afternoon, and the horror of it came to light during the evening," he said.
"This is a big, big, big tragedy, and it will affect people for a long time to come. I know this community is so strong that it will be here in all its forms to support everybody fully as far as they need."
'Your heart goes out to all the families,' grandmother says
12:00 , Rebecca WhittakerCindy Fouracre, whose two grandchildren attend Minehead Middle School, told BBC Radio Somerset: "Your heart goes out to all the families, the coach driver, everybody, because you just don't expect things like this to happen, do you?
"They go out for a lovely day with the school, they're excited and then this is how it happens at the end of the day."
Stepfather says one girl lost her fingers during crash
11:45 , Rebecca WhittakerOne girl who was on the coach during the crash lost her fingers, the BBC has reported following an interview with the stepfather of one child.
One child had died following the crash and 21 were injured with two children air lifted to hospital.
Emergency services rushed to the remote location in Somerset, including 20 ambulances, three air ambulances, fire crews and police.
Council asks for people to avoid speculating on the cause of a school coach crash
11:40 , Rebecca WhittakerThe leader of Somerset Council has called for people to avoid speculating on the cause of a school coach crash in which a child died.
In a post on Facebook, councillor Bill Revans said: “Today, I join with our community in mourning the heartbreaking loss of a young life in this tragedy.
“On behalf of the council, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and anyone else who has been affected by this devastating event, as well as offering my prayers to anyone who has been injured for their recovery.
“I want to express heartfelt thanks to the emergency services, our officers and members of the public who responded with dedication and compassion.
“It is at times like these when we must come together to support one another and to grieve together, and Somerset Council will be playing its part to ensure anyone who needs support, receives it.
“It is also important to avoid any speculation as an investigation into how this incident occurred continues. My thoughts are with everyone touched by this tragedy.”
Hero off-duty firefighter praised for quick-thinking actions that saved children in Minehead bus crash
11:30 , Rebecca Whittaker
Off-duty firefighter praised for quick thinking that saved children in bus crash
Schools post tributes on X following 'tragic incident'
11:15 , Rebecca WhittakerSchools near Minehead Middle School have posted tributes following the crash on Thursday.
“The Taunton School community is extremely shocked and saddened by the tragic incident,” Taunton School posted on X.
Hollyfast Primary School also posted on X and said: “Our thoughts are very much with all those connected.”
The Taunton School community is extremely shocked and saddened by the tragic incident affecting Minehead Middle School.
— Taunton School (@tauntonschool) July 18, 2025
Our hearts go out to everyone affected. We are thinking of you all.
As a mark of respect, we will be suspending our social media activity today. pic.twitter.com/TLchTaDpq8
On the first day of the holidays for Hollyfast Primary School, we are sad to learn of the horrific coach crash transporting children home from a school trip in Somerset. Our thoughts are very much with all those connected @Minehead_Middle ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vpebZChmGE
— Hollyfast Primary School (@HollyfastSchool) July 18, 2025
Exmoor Zoo says 'cannot believe that fate has been so cruel'
11:10 , Rebecca WhittakerThe children had been on a school trip to Exmoor Zoo on the day of the crash.
A spokesperson for Exmoor Zoo said they "cannot believe that fate has been so cruel to such a lovely, lively, well behaved group of children".
"All our thoughts, blessings and prayers go out to everybody involved, we cannot comprehend what the children, their parents, teachers and emergency crews are all going through now," they added.
Watch: Minehead MP fights back tears after child dies in school bus crash
11:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPictured: Floral tributes left at Minehead Middle School
10:45 , Rebecca Whittaker
Teacher praises 'brave' students at Minehead Middle School
10:30 , Rebecca WhittakerOne of the school’s teachers posted on Facebook: “My amazing students, I couldn’t be prouder of all of you, how incredibly brave you have been.
“You have looked after each in what was a life-changing event, we will get through this together.
“I feel so lucky to be your teacher. I am so grateful to my wonderful colleagues during this time who were also fighting to help as many people as we could.
“My deepest condolences to all parents, carers, family and friends involved.
“Finally, thank you to the emergency services who have saved many lives and to the brilliant public who went out of their way to look after myself and most importantly the wonderful students of Minehead Middle School.”
Floral tributes left outside the school after one pupil died in horror crash
10:20 , Rebecca WhittakerFloral tributes have been left outside Minehead Middle School, following the horror crash on Thursday afternoon.
Staff and students from the nearby Kingsmead School in Wiveliscombe had left a condolence card with a bunch of flowers.
The card said: “Our thoughts are with all the children, parents, staff and transport.”
Minehead Middle School, which caters for pupils aged between nine and 14, and is five days away from the end of term and is closed today.
Coach driver 'in a stable condition' following crash
10:10 , Rebecca WhittakerThe driver of a school coach which crashed near Minehead, Somerset, is in a stable condition, the bus company’s owner has said.
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.
How tragic Somerset bus crash unfolded as one child is killed and two others seriously injured
10:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
How tragic Somerset bus crash unfolded as one child is killed
'It’s horrendous, and I’m just so sorry for all those kids on that coach,' resident in the area said
09:30 , Rebecca WhittakerA resident who lives near the site of a school coach crash near Minehead, Somerset, has described the incident as horrendous.
The person, who did not wish to be named, said: “The coach has gone down the slope. It’s pretty steep around here and it’s a big coach.
“There are no barriers along there or anything.
“We’re used to it, you don’t even notice it.
“I can’t believe it happened quite honestly, it’s the biggest thing I have known to go over the slope.
“It’s horrendous, and I’m just so sorry for all those kids on that coach.”
Off-duty firefighter was able to start freeing passengers immediately after the crash
09:10 , Rebecca WhittakerAn off-duty firefighter was able to start freeing passengers immediately when it slid down a 20ft bank and flipped onto its roof.
Gavin Ellis of Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said a firefighter was travelling behind the coach when it happened.
“We were mobilised to a major incident of a coach that had overturned onto its roof and slid approximately 20ft down the embankment,” he told reporters.
“Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances, and they also supported our ambulance colleagues with casualty treatment.
“This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I’m grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped and as quickly as safely as possible.
“I’m also grateful to the off-duty firefighter who was traveling behind the coach at the point of the crash who was able to start to release those casualties from the bus.”
School issues statement on Somerset coach crash
08:50 , Rebecca WhittakerThe trust which runs the school whose pupils were on the coach that crashed near Minehead, Somerset, has said it is working closely with the emergency services.
In a statement, Beacon Education Multi-Academy Trust, which runs Minehead Middle School, said: “We are working closely with the emergency services and relevant authorities following an incident this afternoon to support our pupils, families, and staff at this very difficult time.
“We will update our school community further as soon as more information becomes available, and we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we manage this evolving situation with care and sensitivity.”
Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead said she is "heartbroken"
08:30 , Rebecca WhittakerRachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said the fatal school coach crash in Minehead was “tragic” and she is “heartbroken for the parents and the school and the wider family”.
She told BBC Breakfast the coach was coming from Exmoor Zoo, when it came off the road and went down a 20ft slope, adding that it was “pretty catastrophic”.
Asked about the area, Ms Gilmour said: “It’s a very difficult road, very, very steep, very windy, and it’s just the nature of rural roads in my constituency, you know, Minehead famously, only has one road that takes you into it on the A39 and if you’re coming from where I live in Bampton or across the Moor, those are the roads that you have to use.”
Ms Gilmour praised the “fabulous job” the emergency services did, adding: “We’ve been told up to 20 ambulances went to the scene, three air ambulances, obviously paramedics, police, firemen, you know, just deeply grateful to our emergency services and just heartbroken for the parents and the school and the wider family.”
She said she visited Minehead Middle School recently and it is a “fantastic school” with a “great headmistress”.
Education secretary pays tribute to child killed in school bus crash
07:50 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, described the fatal school coach crash in Minehead as “heartbreaking.”
“It is heartbreaking to hear that a child has died and others are seriously injured following the incident in Minehead earlier today”, she said in a post on X.
“My thoughts are with their friends and families, and all those affected by this tragic event.”
What we know about the Minehead school bus crash
07:36 , Rebecca Whittaker- The coach was travelling back to Minehead Middle School, in Somerset on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill on Thursday at 3.15pm when the incident happened.
- There were about 60 to 70 passengers on board
- The school coach slid 20ft down a bank after it had gone off the road and flipped onto its roof on a remote road in Exmoor
-An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately
- One child died in the incident and 21 people were injured
- Some were taken to hospital with serious injuries, including two children who were air lifted to hospital.
- Many on the coach were held at a rest centre in a pub in Wheddon Cross, while efforts were made to transport them back to minehead.
Watch: Police confirm child died after Minehead bus crash
07:30 , Rebecca WhittakerOne child dead after coach carrying dozens of school pupils crashes in Somerset
07:04 , Tom WatlingBelow you can read in full the horrific story of the school bus crash in Somerset.
Coach carrying dozens of school children crashes in Somerset
Local MP says ‘very steep, winding road’ posed challenges as she mourns with families
06:41 , Namita SinghRachel Gilmour, the MP for Tiverton and Minehead, described the road where a school coach overturned in Somerset as “very difficult to manoeuvre” and said she was heartbroken for the families affected.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Gilmour recalled a recent visit to Minehead Middle School – the school involved in the crash – where she had met the students.
“I met the children and they were full of joy, enthusiasm and were very positive,” she said.
“I know many of their parents. I don't have words.”
Reflecting on the geography of the crash site, she said: “It is a very, very difficult road. You have a very difficult crossing at Wheddon Cross, and as you come out to dip down into Timberscombe, the road is really windy and there are very steep dips on either side.“If the coach, as the police are saying, went 20ft off the road, you are literally on a really, really steep bank.”
Although her constituency straddles Devon and Somerset, Ms Gilmour described the area as a “really, really close community” and added: “We will pull together, but it would be crass of me to say to a parent who's just lost their child that I could make things better – I can't.
“All I can say is that from one mother to another, I feel your pain.”
Eye-witness describes ‘horrendous’ coach crash
06:15 , Namita SinghA resident who lives near the crash scene described the incident as "horrendous".
The resident, who asked not to be named, told the PA news agency: "The coach has gone down the slope. It's pretty steep around here and it's a big coach.
"There are no barriers along there or anything. We're used to it, you don't even notice it.
"I can't believe it happened, quite honestly, it's the biggest thing I have known to go over the slope.
"It's horrendous, and I'm just so sorry for all those kids on that coach."
A local coach operator, which owns the bus, said it had been liaising with the school and the emergency services.
Mapped: Where did the crash take place?
05:59 , Tom WatlingTrust running school condoles death of pupil
05:45 , Namita SinghBeacon Education Multi-Academy Trust which runs the school condoled the accident that led to death of it student.
In a statement, it said: "It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we confirm that a pupil from Minehead Middle School has tragically died following a road traffic incident earlier today involving a coach carrying pupils and staff returning from an educational visit.
"A number of other people have been taken to hospital, some of them with serious injuries. This includes two children who were taken to hospital by air ambulance.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and all those affected by this terrible accident.
"Our entire school community are devastated by this news, and we will do everything we can to support everyone affected."
Earlier, emergency services declared a major incident, with 20 double-crewed ambulances, three air ambulances and eight fire engines sent to the scene.
Off-duty firefighter rescues children after school coach overturns in Somerset crash
05:30 , Namita SinghAn off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately, a press conference yesterday evening heard.
The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday, police said.
Minehead Middle School caters for pupils aged between nine and 14, and is five days away from the end of term.
Gavin Ellis, of Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: "We were mobilised to a major incident of a coach that had overturned onto its roof and slid approximately 20ft down the embankment.
"This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped and as quickly as safely as possible."
In pictures: Emergency services in Somerset after crash
05:01 , Tom Watling
Prime minister to be ‘kept up to date’ after child dies in school coach crash
04:30 , Namita SinghThe prime minister said he is being kept up to date after a child died when a school coach carrying children and staff home from an end of term trip slid down a 20ft bank in Somerset.
The coach was travelling back to nearby Minehead Middle School with about 60 to 70 passengers on board.21 people were taken to hospital, including several who have suffered serious injuries.
The road will stay shut overnight, Avon and Somerset Police said.Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X: "A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset.
A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 17, 2025
There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.
Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace — I’m…
"There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.
"Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace - I'm being kept up to date on this situation."
Local MP issues full statement
04:00 , Tom WatlingLocal MP Rachel Gilmour has issued a full statement following the tragic death of a child after a school bus crashed in Somerset.
You can read her full statement below.
STATEMENT:
— Rachel Gilmour, MP for Tiverton & Minehead (@RachelGilmourLD) July 17, 2025
I thought I would have to do many things as the Member of Parliament for Tiverton and Minehead, but this was not one of them. pic.twitter.com/rZ5x52ZYh1
Dozens of ambulance vehicles attend the scene
03:02 , Tom WatlingTwenty-one people have been taken to hospital after the coach crash, the press conference was told last night.
Wayne Darch, deputy director of operations for the South Western Ambulance Service said: “We declared a major incident that has since been stood down.
“We sent 46 resources to the scene, including 20 double-crewed ambulances, three air ambulances, a command team and two hazardous area response teams.
“We treated several patients at the scene and conveyed 21 patients to hospital via land and by air.”
Starmer issues statement on 'heartbreaking' crash
01:01 , Tom WatlingSir Keir Starmer has led tributes to the school child who was killed in a car crash yesterday in Somerset.
A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 17, 2025
There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected.
Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace — I’m…
Education secretary pays tribute to child killed in school bus crash
Friday 18 July 2025 00:27 , Tom WatlingThe Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, described the fatal school coach crash in Minehead as “heartbreaking.”
“It is heartbreaking to hear that a child has died and others are seriously injured following the incident in Minehead earlier today”, she said in a post on X.
“My thoughts are with their friends and families, and all those affected by this tragic event.”
