Ashford Kent: School bus carrying children slips off road on black ice and crashes into ditch
A school bus carrying children has crashed into a ditch in Ashford, Kent.
School childrens escaped unhurt after a bus “slipped” off the road on black ice and crashed into a ditch. The incident occurred on a road at Chilmington Green, Ashford.
Kent Police were called soon after 8am after a bus left the road. Officers, paramedics and three fire engines attended the scene to help passengers leave the bus, and there were no reported injuries.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the bus was believed to have “slipped” off the road due to black ice. It said in a statement: “There are no reported injuries and the cause is believed to be the vehicle slipping on black ice.
“Crews are reminding everyone to use extra caution when driving in cold temperatures as there could be black ice on the roads, so avoid sudden braking and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front.”
Early messages on social media reported that the Stagecoach vehicle was full of school children when it left the road. Stagecoach has since confirmed that the incident involving one of its school buses is under review.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Officers attended and remain on scene to assist while passengers leave the bus and the vehicle is recovered. Paramedics attended as a precaution.
“There were no reported injuries.” Joel Mitchell, managing director at Stagecoach South East, said: “Stagecoach can confirm that an incident occurred on January 7 on the A28 in Ashford involving one of our school buses.
“There are currently no reported injuries. Stagecoach is co-operating fully with the local authorities, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under review.”