School shock after child dies in crash

21 PUPILS AND STAFF INJURED AS COACH LEAVES ROAD

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TRIBUTES have been paid to the victims of a “heartbreaking and devastating” crash after a school coach trip returning from Exmoor Zoo slid down a 20ft slope in Somerset.

One child died and 21 staff members and pupils from Minehead Middle School were injured after their vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill on Thursday afternoon.

The coach had been travelling back to the school from the Devon zoo with 60 to 70 passengers on board when the incident occurred, leaving some suffering serious injuries.

A stream of people came to the school gates yesterday to leave flowers for the victims of the crash, with many leaving messages of condolence. One message said: “Thinking of everyone at this heartbreaking and devastating time. Our community is holding you all tight and surrounding you with love.”

The driver of the coach is reported to be in a stable condition but has suffered “a number of injuries”.

Minehead Middle School, which caters for pupils aged between nine and 14, remained closed yesterday.