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Church and community mourn death of 10-year-old in school coach crash

by Lydia Davies
coach crash.jpg - Banner image
@GHRSouthWest

A tragic coach crash in Exmoor, Somerset, has claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy and left several others injured.

The coach, which was carrying students and staff from Minehead Middle School, overturned and slid down an embankment on the A396 near Cutcombe Hill on Thursday afternoon.

Six children and three adults remain in hospital, with two children being treated at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

The school trust has said it is "devastated", while floral tributes, cards and soft toys have been laid at the school gates.

Local MP Rachel Gilmour described her heartbreak after visiting the school: “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.”

Rev Philip Butcher, vicar of Minehead, stood outside the school offering prayers and support.

In a statement, he said: “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 at this time as a point of support."

He added: “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."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash "heartbreaking", while Avon and Somerset’s Police Commissioner Clare Moody said: “It’s awful to contemplate what the children on the coach went through.”

Churches across the region have opened their doors for prayer and reflection.

Authorities are asking the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue into the cause of the crash. 

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