The parents of a 10-year-old boy who died in a school coach crash have thanked their community for its "incredible response" following the tragedy. Oliver Price was killed when the bus carrying pupils from Minehead Middle School overturned on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead on July 17.
The coach was returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 pupils and staff when it slid down a 20ft slope after overturning. The accident happened just days before the end of term.
Parents praise emergency response
Oliver's parents, Lucy and Matthew Price, released a public statement through Avon and Somerset Police expressing their gratitude to those who helped. They said they had witnessed first-hand the community's remarkable reaction to the collision.
"We are so very grateful to all the many emergency service workers who responded initially and those who continue to provide support in the aftermath, through the police investigation and the hospital teams who continue to look after those who were injured," they said.
Local pub becomes safe haven
The parents also praised staff at the Rest and Be Thankful pub in Wheddon Cross for opening their doors without hesitation. The pub served as a safe hub for those injured in the crash and provided a meeting place for worried parents.
Two children and three adults remain in hospital following the accident. The Price family sent their best wishes to all the teachers and pupils who were injured, saying they were in their thoughts.
Community support overwhelming
The family described the support from their community as "overwhelming". They thanked those who left flowers and kind messages outside the school, as well as staff and parents at Minehead Middle School.
"We are also grateful beyond words for all the staff and parents at the wonderful Minehead Middle School and for the love we've been shown by all our family and friends," they said. The parents also thanked the police investigation team for their ongoing work on what they acknowledged was a complex case.
Inquest details revealed
The inquest into Oliver's death opened at Somerset Coroner's Court last Thursday. Assistant coroner Vanessa McKinlay heard that Oliver was found seated in the coach with his seatbelt on, and his death was confirmed by an attending paramedic.
The provisional cause of death was given as head injury, pending laboratory investigation results. The inquest is scheduled to resume on January 14 with a one-day hearing involving evidence from witnesses, the coach driver, and specialist investigators.
School pays tribute
Headteacher Laura Mackie said Minehead Middle School would "always treasure the moments we shared with him". She described Oliver's death as profoundly affecting everyone in the school community, including students, staff, families and the wider area.
"Our focus remains on caring for one another and moving forward gently, with compassion, as we begin to navigate the future together," Mackie said in a statement on Thursday. Around £100,000 has been raised through the Somerset Community Foundation's Together for West Somerset appeal and individual fundraisers to support those affected by the crash.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
