Coach Carrying Schoolchildren Crashes on A36 — Driver

A coach carrying schoolchildren veered off the A36 and crashed into a ditch early this morning, prompting a major emergency response and the temporary closure of the southbound carriageway.

The collision occurred at approximately 5:10am between the Ower Roundabout and Junction 2 of the M27. The coach, which was travelling from the Bristol area, left the road and came to rest in a ditch.

There were 29 schoolchildren and four teachers on board. Emergency services confirmed that all of the children escaped injury. One teacher sustained a minor leg injury and was treated at the scene.

The driver, 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 while unfit through drink and/or drugs. He remains in police custody.

The school involved has contacted all parents to inform them of the incident. Hampshire Police praised the swift response of emergency services and the patience of drivers affected by the road closure, which has now been lifted.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was travelling on the A36 at the time and may have seen the coach before the incident, or who may have relevant dash cam footage.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 44250432585, or to report online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.