Investigation into Frome College bus collision under way

AN investigation continues into the bus that overturned on Oldford Hill on Monday 28th November carrying approximately 45 people, including schoolchildren from Frome College, who had been on a history trip. 

At the time of the incident, the air ambulance attended, but was not required to take anyone to hospital; paramedics attended the scene and a small number of passengers were taken to hospital with one student believed to have ‘life-changing injuries.’ 

In a statement issued by Avon and Somerset Police on Tuesday 29th November Inspector Matt Reed of the Mendip Neighbourhood Policing Team said, “Yesterday’s collision must have been frightening for all involved and we’d like to publicly praise those onboard for the calmness they showed after such an incident. 

“The safety of everyone involved was the main priority of all the emergency services. First aid was administered at the scene and a small number of people did need to go to hospital for further assessment or treatment. 

“At this time, one student remains in hospital. Over the past 24 hours their condition has been evaluated by medics and it is now believed the injury they have sustained has the potential to be life-changing. An Inspector has been in contact with their family today to understand more about the injury and to offer our support and best wishes. 

“We have also reached out to the relevant school to ensure support is in place for anyone that needs it in the days and weeks ahead.” 

A statement released by Frome College said, “Following on from Monday’s incident, we are staying in contact with all parents of students on that history trip, as well as the staff involved. Students that were involved, that are in school, are being offered support and time to talk about their experiences with our welfare team. Moving onwards, we are trying to arrange a package of support for students over the coming months.  

“We are proud of the courage our students have shown in very distressing circumstances, and our thoughts are very much with them. We are grateful to the emergency services for their swift and professional response and we also thank the Frome community for all their support.” 

The investigation is under way and the Avon and Somerset Police are asking for anyone who may have witnesses the event, or who has dashcam CCTV footage to come forward to support them in their enquiries.  

Inspector Matt Reed said, “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.” 

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or may have dashcam or CCTV footage showing the bus in the moments before the incident, is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5222285621.

Picture from Google Maps