THE driver of a coach that crashed into a ditch while carrying 29 school children on the A36 has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whist unfit through drink and/or drugs.
The coach, travelling from the Bristol area, left the southbound carriageway and went into the ditch shortly after 5.10am between the Ower roundabout and junction two of the M27.
The school children were all uninjured. One of the four teachers on board suffered a minor leg injury, which was treated at the scene.
The school was made aware of the incident and contacted all parents.
Read more
School coach carrying 29 children crashes into ditch on A36
Ambulance station worker suspended after arrest on suspicion of stalking
Police looking for man in Salisbury after bike theft
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “The driver of the coach, a 48-year-old man from Hungerford, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital as a precaution.
“He has since been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whist unfit through drink and/or drugs. He remains in custody at this time.
“The road has now been reopened following a complex recovery of the coach from the ditch.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we dealt with this and got our investigations underway.
“We’re appealing for any motorists who were on that stretch of road around the time of the collision to contact us if they saw the coach in the lead up to the incident or if you may have any dash cam footage, which could assist with our investigation.”
Police have asked anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage to call 101, quoting reference 44250432585.
They can also make reports online via www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report
Share