Nearly 20 children were injured after a double decker bus full of college students crashed into a river this morning.
Three passengers were taken to hospital after the vehicle left the road and ended up in the water in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Fire crews were seen with stretchers on hand to take people off the bus which was carrying passengers from Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in the town.
At least five ambulances were at the scene on a residential road and an air ambulance landed near the crash site, which was cordoned off by police.
All passengers were removed from the bus which was sitting upright in the River Itchen as 14 students with ‘less serious injuries’ were treated at the site.
The double-decker bus left the road and ended up in the water in Eastleigh, Hampshire, today
Nearly 20 children were injured after the double decker crashed into the river in Eastleigh
At least five ambulances were at the scene on a residential road in the Hampshire town today
A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service said: ‘We have sent multiple units to the incident including five ambulances, two helicopters, and specialist response units.
‘We’re continuing to support and assess patients on scene. All patients have been removed from the bus. Three high priority patients are being taken to hospital. Around 14 with less serious injuries are being treated on scene.’
A spokesperson for Barton Peveril Sixth Form College has said: ‘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.
‘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.’
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: ‘We are currently dealing with an incident on Bishopstoke Road in Eastleigh, where a bus has left the carriageway into a river.
‘Emergency services are in attendance and the road has been closed so please avoid the area if you can.’
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘We are on scene of an RTC involving one double decker bus that went off the road in Bishopstoke Eastleigh.
‘Fire crews from Eastleigh, St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hightown and Portchester are in attendance alongside emergency service colleagues. People are asked to avoid the area to help emergency services deal with this incident.’
