A major incident has been declared after a coach bringing children back from a school trip crashed near Minehead, Somerset.
Emergency services are responding to a collision on the A396 Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe, according to Avon and Somerset Police.
The coach, which had 60-70 people on board, reportedly left the road near the junction with Ashwell Lane and Steart Lane around 3pm today. It had been heading to Minehead Middle School at the time.
The force said most of the passengers have been taken off the coach.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are working to free the remaining occupants and South Western Ambulance Service are also on the scene, said police.
The spokesperson added: «We have no confirmed information on the number of casualties or the level of injuries.»
Peter Prior-Sankey, director of coach operator Ridlers, told Sky News he «was made aware of an incident involving one of our 70-seater vehicles at about 3.15pm this afternoon».
«We have since been liaising with both the school, and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident,» he said.
«Everyone within the Ridlers team is of course deeply concerned and anxious to find out more detail – particularly concerning the welfare of the driver and passengers.
«While we wait for further information from police and other emergency teams, our hearts of course go out to the school pupils and to our driver.
«We will be doing everything possible to understand what has happened.»
The bus was taking pupils back to Minehead Middle School when the incident happened, the PA news agency has reported.
The road remains closed and police are asking people to avoid the area.
In a post on X, local MP Rachel Gilmour said: «I have heard news about a distressing road traffic incident around Wheddon Cross this afternoon.
«Emergency services are present, so please give them space to work. My thoughts are with all involved in the incident.»
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is «aware of the serious incident» and «receiving regular updates on the situation».
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