Double-Decker Bus Carrying High School Students Plunges into River in England

A double-decker bus carrying high school students veered off a road and plunged into the River Itchen in southern England. The incident occurred on Thursday as the bus was en route to Barton Peveril Sixth Form College. The crash resulted in the driver and four teenagers being hospitalised, while over a dozen others sustained minor injuries.

All 19 passengers managed to either exit the bus or were rescued, according to police. The driver and one student suffered serious injuries but are expected to recover. The cause of the accident is under investigation by both police and the bus company. Inspector Andy Tester from Hampshire Constabulary remarked, "It must have been terrifying."

Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Response

Kelly West, who witnessed the crash, described hearing a screeching sound before seeing the bus plunge into the river. "I heard some noise, I looked out of the window and he just came careening into the river," she said. West recounted that the driver mentioned brake failure and a jammed accelerator as he tried to avoid other vehicles.

West rushed to assist at the scene, finding the driver trapped and panicking. She reassured him that help was on its way. The bus remained upright in the river, with water reaching its axles. Its front windows were shattered, and mud covered its sides. A significant portion of bridge railing was missing.

Emergency Services and Investigation

The South Central Ambulance Service reported that approximately 14 students received treatment at the scene. Emergency response included two helicopters, five ambulances, and fire crews. Bluestar Bus stated they were unaware of the crash's circumstances at that time.

West also helped some of the distressed students off the bus and into her garden for safety. The police have not yet determined why the bus left the road, but investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about this incident.

The bus was bound for Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, which caters to students aged 16 to 18. Despite the severity of the crash, all involved are expected to survive their injuries.

With inputs from PTI