Three separate fundraisers have been created to help those affected by Thursday’s fatal bus crash in Somerset – and people have donated more than £36,000 in total
More than £36,000 has been donated to help the families of victims involved in a fatal bus crash in Somerset.
A 10-year-old boy died, while six children and three adults remain in hospital after the vehicle left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday afternoon. The bus had been carrying 60 to 70 pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School, who were returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo days before the end of term.
A resident in west Somerset organised a GoFundMe for those affected, which has raised more than £21,700 in around a day. A separate fundraiser created to give money to the school has so far raised £1,955. And a third general GoFundMe page to help both families and the school has raised £12,500 so far.
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Bobbie Rammond, a business owner who launched the main fundraiser, said he had a “strong desire” to help after hearing about the crash. The father-of-two, who said he was not directly connected to the families affected by the crash, wrote on the fundraising page: “We are all heartbroken by the tragic school bus crash that occurred on the A396 on July 17. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the children, families, staff, and emergency responders affected by this devastating event.
“As a father of two young children myself, I can only begin to imagine the pain and heartbreak that so many are experiencing right now. This tragedy has shaken the local community, and like many others, I felt a strong desire to do what I could to help.
“I understand this is a sensitive time, and while the specific use of the fund will be shaped by the needs of those involved my promise is to ensure it reaches the people who need it most.” Other fundraisers have also been set up for affected families, amounting to tens of thousands of pounds in total so far.
The crash happened between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the road, down a steep slope.
An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. Recovery of the vehicle and the investigation are complex, and according to the PA news agency, the road will remain closed until the beginning of next week.
A stream of people visited the school, which has pupils aged between nine and 14, on Friday to pay respects and leave tributes at the gates after the crash. The school was closed, but people left floral tributes and messages at the gates. Many were visibly upset and were hugging and supporting each other.
After the incident, the school’s headteacher, Laura Mackie, spoke of the “unimaginable” loss. “Just complete devastation, complete heartbreak for our whole school community,” she said, trying to hold back tears. “We’re thinking of the student that we lost, their family, their friends, all of their loved ones.
“I’m thinking of my staff team, who are amazing, dedicated. And all of our wonderful students who have been impacted and affected by this.” Speaking outside the school gates on Friday, the Rev Philip Butcher, the vicar of Minehead, said the community was in shock.
He said: “It was absolutely numbing, there are no words to describe what happened yesterday. It’s an absolute tragedy, and one that’s still very much unfolding. We’re just standing firm with the school, with the families at this time, just to be with them in this time as a point of support.”