Several children were taken to the hospital today after a bus taking students home from school was badly damaged by a tractor.
The accident happened near Meopham, Kent. Emergency services came quickly to help, and 13 people were taken to the hospital. The South East Coast Ambulance Service said some of them were children. Out of the 13 injured, 12 were passengers, and one was the bus driver. Four more people were treated at the scene by paramedics, and one person was flown by helicopter to King’s College Hospital in London. Videos showed a red and white double-decker bus with a big tear on the left side of the top level.
The tractor involved in the accident had its scoop raised and was also seen at the crash site.
Many emergency responders came to help, including the police, the South East Coast Ambulance Service, the Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and an air ambulance. They all rushed to the crash site on the A227 South Street near Culverstone Green.
After the crash, the police arrested a 33-year-old man from East Sussex. He was suspected of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Kent Police said he was later released on bail while they continue to investigate.
Kent Police called the crash a “serious incident.” Their Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is leading the investigation. They asked any witnesses to contact them.
The SCIU is looking for information and “potential evidence” from people who might have phone footage of the crash or dashcam videos. The South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “After a serious collision between a bus and a tractor near Meopham around 3:30 PM today (22/05), we treated and transported 12 patients to local hospitals. One patient was flown to King’s College Hospital, and four others were treated at the scene.”
The police are asking anyone who can help with the investigation to call the SCIU at 01622 798538 or email them at [email protected], referencing EX/DGC/051/24.
