Bus carrying college students crashes into river
A double-decker bus carrying 19 college students has crashed into a river, leaving 17 people injured.
The 607 for Barton Peveril Sixth Form College left the carriageway and plunged into the water off Bishopstoke Road in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Three people are being treated as "high priority" and were taken to hospital, South Central Ambulance Service said.
Around 14 people with less serious injuries are being treated on scene, it added.
Speaking near the cordon, a parent whose daughter was on the bus, said her daughter called her crying and told her the bus had crashed into a river.
She admitted she had not seen her daughter but that she was "a bit banged up, shocked", having suffered cuts and bruises.
Another parent told the BBC: "I'm nervous, I felt panicked, I rushed straight here as quick as I could but I couldn't get to my daughter. I'm panicking until I get to see her," she added.
Dr David Pogson, a parent at the incident centre, said: "I got a message on the family chat at work about the accident, which sounded quite serious.
"Thankfully it doesn't sound that he is seriously hurt, his friends are all fine.
"I have seen some ambulances going away though and I understand some children have been injured."
Kelly West, was working from home close to the crash and rushed down to help those on the bus.
She said she looked out the window when she heard a screeching sound and saw the bus "come careering into the river".
"We ran outside, we ran around the front of the bus, spoke to the driver," she said.
Ms West said the driver told her that the "brakes were not working" and the accelerator "jammed" and he was "doing the best he could to avoid cars as he was coming down the road".
She explained that she helped the "shocked" students who could leave the bus to get out of the water and into her garden nearby.
The B3037 has been closed in both directions and traffic is queueing between Chickenhall Lane to Riverside.
Officers added: "It is anticipated the road may be closed for up to 12 hours for investigation and recovery work."
The 607 bus route runs from Knowle, through Wickham, Shedfield, Swanmore and Bishops Waltham to Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh
Hampshire Constabulary said an incident centre has been set up at The Hub at Bishopstoke for concerned parents. An officer and college staff will be available to provide updates and address questions.
The college said "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," it added.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is at the scene and also asked people to avoid the area.
Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager confirmed it was one of their buses.
He said: "Reports suggest the bus left the highway and came to rest in a shallow river.
"There were 19 passengers on-board at the time."
He added that the bus driver is one of those who was injured and said: "Our thoughts are with everybody involved, and we wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery."
Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis has been giving her reaction to the crash.
Speaking on BBC Radio Solent, she said she was "very very shocked" and worried about the students who were involved. I understand their parents have all been contacted
"My thoughts are with those who were injured and the emergency services who were on the scene who have done a fantastic job and responded really quickly.
"When something like this happens it's about the community coming together. I know the college is doing everything they can to support the students and their parents."
www.bbc.co.uk
Perhaps not in this case however, especially given that a driver colleague has been injured of course; I’m sure all concerned would appreciate that nobody wants that sat in the corner of the yard. And it’s of little use for component recovery after the impact it’s had, there won’t be much that isn’t bent.
