Somerset coach crash fundraiser reaches more than £12k

A fundraiser launched to support the families affected by a coach crash which killed a 10-year-old boy has raised more than £12,000 in 24 hours.

The community in Minehead, Somerset, has been left devastated by the crash which happened on the way back from a school trip to Exmoor Zoo on Thursday. Six children remain in hospital – two at Bristol Children’s Hospital and four in Somerset. Three adults are also being treated in hospital.

Bobbie Rammond, a resident and small business owner in west Somerset, launched the fundraiser on Friday.

In a statement, Mr Rammond said: “This tragedy has shaken the local community, and like many others, I felt a strong desire to do what I could to help.”

Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident after the single-vehicle collision at Cutcombe Hill near Wheddon Cross at about 15:00 BST on Thursday.

The coach, which was carrying about 70 people, flipped on to its roof and slid down a bank.

Many of those on board were pupils from Minehead Middle School.

Mr Rammond said the community fund would help support those directly affected by the crash.

“I understand this is a sensitive time, and while the specific use of the fund will be shaped by the needs of those involved, my promise is to ensure it reaches the people who need it most,” Mr Rammond said.

“As a father of two young children myself, I can only begin to imagine the pain and heartbreak that so many are experiencing right now,” he added.

Mr Rammond said the money would be used to provide urgent help and support for those injured, hospitalised and directly impacted by the “heartbreaking” crash.

He said it would also help those who needed emotional and psychological help, even if they were not physically harmed in the incident.