On July 17, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded in Somerset when a school coach carrying students from Minehead Middle School crashed. The incident occurred around 3:00 PM BST on Cutcombe Hill, near Wheddon Cross, resulting in the death of one child and leaving 21 other individuals injured, some severely. The coach flipped onto its roof and subsequently slid approximately 20 feet down an embankment, leading to a significant emergency response.
Upon notification of the crash, Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident, initiating a coordinated effort involving police, ambulance, and fire services. The coach was transporting around 70 people, primarily students returning from an end-of-term school outing. In total, 21 passengers were treated at local hospitals, while many others were either uninjured or sustained minor injuries. Following the incident, the passengers were relocated to a rest center established in Wheddon Cross, where they awaited further assistance.
In response to the accident, Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington expressed profound sorrow, highlighting the impact on the community. “Today’s events are truly tragic,” he said, acknowledging the devastation felt by families and friends affected by the incident. The emotional weight of this statement was further echoed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who shared a heartfelt message on social media platform X, expressing condolences to the bereaved and gratitude towards the emergency services for their rapid response.
As part of the critical response to the chaos at the crash site, three helicopter ambulances and over 20 ground ambulances were dispatched. The off-duty firefighter who happened to be behind the coach contributed significantly by aiding trapped passengers before the arrival of official emergency responders. Firefighters faced challenging conditions as they worked diligently to extricate individuals who were caught in the wreckage.
Gavin Ellis from the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service praised the efforts of the emergency personnel, stating, “Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances.” This emphasis on the challenging nature of the rescue operations reflected the harrowing scene at the accident site, deepening the community’s sense of loss and shock. Authorities stated that most of those on board were accounted for at the rest center and were being closely monitored for any potential medical issues.
The investigation into the cause of the crash was announced, with police appealing for witnesses to come forward. Their inquiry aimed to determine what led to the unfortunate event that disrupted the lives of so many. The head of Beacon Education, which oversees Minehead Middle School, expressed through a spokesperson the community’s devastation and commitment to supporting all affected individuals and families during this difficult time.
Peter Prior-Sankey, the director of Ridlers coach company, which operated the coach involved, voiced his sympathy for the victims and their families, affirming that they would pursue a clear understanding of the crash’s circumstances as soon as possible. He reiterated the company’s cooperation with both the school and emergency services as they navigated the aftermath.
Residents near the crash site conveyed shock and concern, with one local describing the scene as “horrendous.” They noted the steepness of the area and the absence of protective barriers, underscoring the dangerous conditions that may have contributed to the coach’s overturn. Local Member of Parliament (MP) Rachel Gilmour conveyed her distress in a statement, expressing disbelief at the incident, which shattered what should have been a joyful occasion for students and their families.
This calamity serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, particularly concerning children who should be enjoying enrichment during school outings. The community of Wheddon Cross finds itself united in mourning, grappling with the profound loss and impact this tragic event has left behind.
