Hero trainer drove children to safety from scene of fatal Minehead bus crash on quad bike

A hero horse trainer has revealed how he drove children to safety from the scene of a devastating bus crash near Minehead.

Alan Jones was there less than ten minutes after the vehicle carrying around 70 children and adults came off the A396 Cutcombe Hill in Somerset, turned over and slid down an embankment.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a ten-year-old boy had died in the accident, which happened as the group were returning to Minehead Middle School after a visit to Exmoor Zoo on Thursday.

Jones, whose racehorse training business is based nearby, shuttled eight of the injured to an emergency hub at the Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross.

"There were women and children injured and so I took them up to the pub on my quad," he said.

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"I picked up two teachers initially, one woman had a broken elbow and the other had facial injuries. They were treated at the pub and then I took another teacher who was taken to hospital. I picked up two more children who were walking at the side of the road with police cars coming past at speed. In all I took eight people on the bike."

Police said 21 passengers were taken to hospital in Somerset, with four children and three adults remaining there on Friday afternoon.

Two children who were taken to Bristol Royal hospital for children by air ambulance are also still receiving treatment.

Members of the public helped the emergency services, with 20 double-crewed ambulances and three air ambulances among those deployed.

"The road was closed but I was able to get down to the scene on the bridleways and footpaths," Jones added via Somerset Live.

"When I got there it was carnage. If I had to I would have pulled them out of the coach but thankfully most were already out. It could have been your kids or mine."

Police are appealing for witnesses as the investigation into the accident continues. 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.”

“Our thoughts go out to all those involved, their families, friends and colleagues.”