Child killed in school coach crash was 10-year-old boy

THE child who died in a school coach crash in Somerset was a 10-year-old boy, police have said.

- ROD MINCHIN AND GEORGE THOMPSON

Six children and three adults remain in hospital after a school bus left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday afternoon.

The vehicle had been returning to Minehead Middle School from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 pupils and staff on board when the incident occurred.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed yesterday that a 10-year-old boy had died in the crash.

Formal identification has not yet been completed, but specially trained officers are supporting his next of kin.

Two children were taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by air ambulance following the incident, while four other children and three adults remain in hospital in Somerset, a police spokesperson said.

The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday.