Five people rushed to hospital after double-decker college bus crashes into river
Five people, including the driver, have been taken to hospital for treatment after a double-decker college bus crashed into a river in Hampshire.
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Two of the people taken to hospital are in “serious but not life-threatening” condition, according to Hampshire Constabulary.
Around 14 people with less serious injuries were treated at the scene.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the double-decker involved in the incident was College Bus 607 for Barton Peveril students.
The bus left the carriageway on Bishopstoke Road in Eastleigh and crashed into the River Itchen.
Inspector Andy Tester, of Hampshire Constabulary, said a total of 20 people were onboard the bus, 19 of which were passengers.
He said: “It must have been terrifying and my thoughts are very much with what the children and the driver on the bus, who must have had a terrifying experience.”
He added that several people including the driver were trapped on board when emergency services arrived.
He said: “There were a large number of specialist resources helping to get people out of the bus.
“Some people had got themselves out of the bus, and it was obviously important to us to triage the injured people, to assess the people who were still stuck in the bus, and to make sure we had accounted for everyone.”
The force said in a statement: "We ask that people do not attend the actual scene. For concerned parents, an Incident Centre has been established at The Hub at Bishopstoke.
"An officer and college staff will be available at the Hub to provide updates and address any questions you may have."
Bluestar, which operates the bus service, said "early reports suggest the bus left the highway and came to rest in a shallow river".
Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: “Our thoughts are with everybody involved, and we wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery.
“At this time, we do not know the circumstances behind this incident and are carrying out an immediate investigation. We are also assisting the police as they carry out their own enquiries."
In a statement shared on social media, the sixth form college said staff are working closely with the police to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.