12/06/2009

Eight Injured In Minibus Crash

Eight people, including five children with learning and physical disabilities, have been rescued from a minibus after it overturned on the M5 motorway in Worcestershire.

The passengers, also including three women, were cut from their Variety Club Sunshine bus, after it overturned and ended up facing the wrong direction, between junctions five and six near Droitwich, on Friday.

The women and five youngsters - aged between six and 12 - were all taken to hospital after the crash.

It is understood only one vehicle was involved in the crash, which happened near a steep embankment at about 10.30am.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "Crews arrived to find a minibus on its side with significant damage. Eight occupants, including five children with learning and physical disabilities believed to be between the ages of six and 12, were in the minibus at the time of the crash.

"One boy was trapped in the minibus for a period. Ambulance crews worked with firefighters at the scene to extricate the boy who had suffered an arm injury in the crash.

"A second boy had suffered a serious arm injury in the crash, a third boy was complaining of neck and back pain, one girl suffered a hand injury and a second girl was suffering the effects of shock."

The spokesman described the occupants of the minibus as "incredibly lucky" not to have been more seriously injured in the crash "considering the damage suffered to the vehicle and the fact that the crash happened near to a steep embankment".

The Variety Club Children's Charity presents around 100 new Sunshine Coaches each year to schools and community groups across the country enabling children who are sick, disadvantaged, or with disabilities to enjoy trips.

In a statement, Malcolm Brenner, chairman of the Variety Club Sunshine Coach committee said: "We are unsure of the details of the incident but our thoughts are with those involved in the accident and their families, we hope everyone is all right."

The injured had been taken to Worcester Royal Hospital.

(JM/NS)

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