Earley Berkshire: 18 injured including nine children as school coach and bus collide on busy slip road
Nine children have been injured after a crash between a bus and a school coach on a busy slip road in Berkshire.
The youngsters, who were on a school coach, sustained minor injuries, as did the coach's driver. Eight adults aboard a bus were also hurt during the incident.
The incident occurred on the A3290 slip road leading to the Sutton Seeds Roundabout in Earley, Berkshire, around 8.25am this morning. A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) said it was called to a vehicle fire on the slip road, only to discover upon arrival that there had been a crash and the bus' engine was ablaze.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham Road and Wokingham have now put out the blaze.
Thames Valley Police has said that the A3290 is currently closed following the crash. The force states: "We are currently on the scene of a multi-vehicle collision on the A3290 Sutton Seeds roundabout in Earley.
"We are supporting colleagues from @RBFRSofficial and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the road is currently closed. There are no serious injuries, but we would urge drivers to please avoid the area while the incident is dealt with."
An update from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service stated: "At 8:25am on Wednesday, 7 January, we received reports of a vehicle on fire on the A3290 exit slip road near the Sutton Seeds Roundabout in Earley. Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham Road and Wokingham fire stations were sent to the scene, alongside two Officers.
"Upon arrival, crews found a road traffic collision involving one bus and one coach, with the engine of bus on fire. Crews extinguished the fire and gave immediate emergency care to a number of people, before placing them in the care of South Central Ambulance Service.
"Crews were on scene for approximately two hours and 17 minutes. We have now left the scene of the incident on the A3290 exit slip road near the Sutton Seeds Roundabout in Earley, Reading. Crews extinguished the fire and gave immediate emergency care to a number of people, before placing them in the care of South Central Ambulance Service.”