Heroic Quad Bike Rescue in Somerset School Bus Crash

Former professional jockey Alan Jones, now a 64-year-old trainer, said he was unable to sleep after the trauma of witnessing a school bus crash in Somerset that killed a 10-year-old boy and left six children and three adults in hospital. Jones took immediate action, using his quad bike to ferry passengers to safety, driving them to a safe hub at the Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross.

Jones arrived at the scene within 10 minutes of the incident, finding the road closed and police officers surrounding the overturned bus. He helped two teachers first, then went back to pick up another teacher and child, all while being met with scenes of utter devastation. The children, from Minehead Middle School, were in a state of shock, with one teacher vowing never to board a bus or coach again.

Key Takeaways:

  • Alan Jones, a 64-year-old former professional jockey, used his quad bike to rescue passengers from the overturned school bus on Thursday.
  • Jones arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and helped ferry eight adults and children to safety at the Rest and Be Thankful Inn in Wheddon Cross.
  • The bus, carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff, left the road and overturned at about 3.15pm, killing a 10-year-old boy and leaving six children and three adults in hospital.
  • The recovery of the vehicle and investigation are complex, with the road remaining closed until early this week.
  • Jones described the scene as "sorry" and said the children's innocence made it all the more heartbreaking.
  • The incident has left a lasting impact on Jones, who said he couldn't sleep after witnessing the trauma.

Statistics:

  • 1 child died in the crash.
  • 6 children and 3 adults are in hospital following the incident.
  • The bus was carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School.
  • Alan Jones arrived at the scene within 10 minutes of the incident.
  • The road remains closed until early this week.

Sources:

  • The Sun (no date)
  • PA news agency (no date)