30 people have been injured after two school buses collided head-on in County Durham.
28 children were taken to hospital after the crash between a single-decker and double-decker bus at around 08:22 BST at the junction of Shield Row Lane, Stanley, and the A693, the majority with minor injuries.
One 12-year-old boy from Tanfield School was evacuated to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) by air ambulance after sustaining “serious head injuries”, according to Great North Air Ambulance. He is reported to be in a stable condition.
The 54-year-old bus driver from Stanley was trapped in the bus, but freed and airlifted to the RVI, where he remains in a serious condition. The 27-year-old other bus driver from Newton Aycliffe was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham with minor injuries.
The buses were carrying pupils aged 11-18 from St. Bede’s in Lanchester and Tanfield School.
Super Intendant Colin Williamson said:
“We can now confirm that all drivers and passengers of both buses have been safely removed from the vehicles and taken to hospital if necessary. Those not requiring medical treatment are now with family members. As the investigation into this collision continues the roads in the area remain closed and we would like to thank everyone for their patience.”
Anyone who has any information or concerns can call 0800 096 1233 from a landline or 0207 158 0197 from mobiles
