Current situation regarding the A396
The site inspection has been completed – repairs will need to be made to rectify damage caused during the incident and subsequent recovery operation. The team is currently arranging these. The road will need to remain closed until the repairs have been completed. We will try and update as soon as possible on progress.
Community support
We are continuing to support the educational community including the school, Multi-Academy Trust (Beacon) and other local schools where staff have been supporting with a coordinated plan that considers the needs of children, families, school staff, and the wider community. This includes educational psychologists from both the local authority and the MAT.
We are also working in close liaison with mental health services, family support teams, and the local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to ensure the right support is in place over the coming days and through the summer holidays.
Church leaders have been heavily engaged in bringing together the community. The Churches Together service on Sunday 20th July was a poignant moment for the many who attended.
Additionally, we are grateful to Somerset Community Foundation for launching its Together for West Somerset Appeal and for offering to co-ordinate community efforts and donations. We know they will ensure funds swiftly reach those who need immediate help. There’s a link to the appeal here
Latest official update from Avon and Somerset Police
Our investigation into the collision on Exmoor last week, in which a 10-year-old boy tragically died, is continuing this week. Formal identification has now been completed and we can confirm the victim was Oliver Price. Our thoughts are with his parents and family, who have been updated and continue to be supported by a specially trained officer.
Two children and one adult are currently in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset, while a number of children were discharged over the weekend. Neighbourhood officers will be present outside the school over the coming days and anyone with any concerns is welcome to speak to them.
The examination of the scene has been completed. However, the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council. Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Team have been carrying out thorough enquiries to understand the full circumstances of the collision. The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination over the coming days by experts from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, as part of our usual investigative enquiries.
Officers have also been taking statements from a number of adults who were either on the coach or travelling in the area at the time, as part of their work to establish the full circumstances of the collision. Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information they think could be of relevance to our investigation should call 101, giving the call handler the reference number 5225201782.
Andy Doyle
Communications, Somerset Council
Wootton Courtenay 