Essex school pupils seriously injured in Clavering bus crash

The bus hit a tree branch on Clatterbury Lane, Clavering, Joyce Frankland Academy said

Five school children have been seriously hurt after a bus roof was ripped off when it hit a tree branch.

Essex Police said it was called to Clatterbury Lane, Clavering, at about 08:15 BST and remained at the scene.

Joyce Frankland Academy, Newport, said the bus was taking some of its pupils to school when it struck the branch.

Police said five passengers had sustained injuries considered to be serious, but not life-threatening or life-changing.

East of England Ambulance Trust said it attended, along with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

'Some sheer miracle'

Three children were assessed at the scene and two were taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, for further assessment.

Essex Police said passengers were able to exit the vehicle after the crash and no serious injuries were reported from the scene at the time, but that some had since attended hospital independently.

The secondary school said some students had minor injuries while others were being supported at school after the "traumatic experience".

Dawn Philpott, who had two children on the bus, said it was "some sheer miracle that everybody was able to walk away without fatality".

Her husband Martin, who photographed the scene, said the roof of the bus had come off after it hit the branch.

His pictures show the roof resting on top of a car.

Police said: "At the scene officers found a bus and a car had collided."

Bus operator Stephensons said its double decker bus was travelling at 14mph at the time of the incident

A spokesperson from bus operator Stephensons said they know from telematics the bus was travelling at 14mph (22km/h), and manoeuvring past a car travelling the in the opposite direction, when it hit a large tree branch.

They said they "believe the tree branch may have been brought down by heavy overnight rain and wind, but that is unclear at this stage".

'Situation handed calmly'

The school said on its website that the bus was transporting its pupils and children from Saffron Walden County High School.

"While the full details are being investigated, we are aware that the bus roof was damaged as it struck a tree branch," it said.

A space has been arranged at the school for those who may be in shock or left upset.

The school asked parents or students with any concerns to get in contact.

"Thank you to all students and parents for the calm manner in which they helped to handle the situation," it added.

Emergency services, including fire and ambulance, remained at the scene "to carry out their work", police said.

The force closed the road and advised people to check before travelling in the area.