NEED TO KNOW
- Multiple students have been injured after a double decker bus crashed into a river in Hampshire, England, on June 26
- Three students were hospitalized amid the incident, while 14 more were treated at the crash scene, according to reports
- Two helicopters and five ambulances attended the scene, per Sky News
Multiple students have been injured after a double decker school bus crashed into a river in Hampshire, England.
According to the BBC, 17 people were left with injuries after a bus carrying 19 students from Barton Peveril Sixth Form College came off Bishopstoke Road and into the water on Thursday, June 26.
South Central Ambulance Service told the outlet that three students listed as “high priority” were transported to hospital, while 14 others treated at the scene.
According to Sky News, two helicopters and five ambulances arrived at the scene to attend to the incident, which took place at around 10:07 a.m. local time.
“We have sent multiple units to the incident including five ambulances, two helicopters, and specialist response units,” South Central Ambulance Service said in a statement to the outlet.
“We’re continuing to support and assess patients on scene. All patients have been removed from the bus,” they added. “Three high priority patients are being taken to hospital. Around 14 with less serious injuries are being treated on scene.”
PEOPLE has contacted the South Central Ambulance Service for further comment.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Hampshire Constabulary said, “We are currently dealing with an incident on Bishopstoke Road in Eastleigh, after College Bus 607 for Barton Peveril students left the carriageway into a river.”
“Emergency services are in attendance and the road has been closed so please avoid the area. It is anticipated the road may be closed for up to 12 hours for investigation and recovery work” the spokesperson added.
They continued, “Everyone on the bus has been accounted for and all injured persons are being treated by the ambulance service. We can confirm that the families of all of those involved have been contacted.”
Parents have been advised to stay at a nearby incident location to wait for information about their children.
A parent told the BBC that she received a call from her crying daughter who told her about the crash, adding that her child was “a bit banged up, shocked” with bruises and cuts.
“I’m nervous, I felt panicked, I rushed straight here as quick as I could but I couldn’t get to my daughter. I’m panicking until I get to see her,” another parent said.
Meanwhile, resident Kelly West, who heard the screeching noise from the incident while working from home, said she ran outside to help.
She told the BBC live blog that she spoke to the driver who said the “brakes were not working” and “the accelerator jammed” and that he did his best ” to avoid cars as he was coming down the road.”
West then assisted the students in getting out of the vehicle.
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In a statement on Facebook, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College said they were working with the police.
“Incident Involving College Bus 607: We are aware of an incident involving the College 607 Bus. College staff are working closely with the police to ensure the safety and well-being of all students,” the post read.
The school added, “We ask that people do not attend the actual scene. For concerned parents, an Incident Centre has been established at The Hub at Bishopstoke. An officer and College staff will be available at the Hub to provide updates and address any questions you may have.”
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