A BOY killed in a coach crash on the way back from a school trip to the zoo was found still strapped in his seat by his belt, an inquest heard.
Oliver Price, ten, was killed when the vehicle left the road in Minehead, Somerset, overturned and slid down a 20ft slope.
PAOliver Price was killed in a horror coach crash[/caption]
Police said two other children and three adults remain in hospital following the horror earlier this month.
An inquest opening into Oliver’s death today heard how he suffered a fatal head injury.
Vanessa McKinlay, the assistant coroner for Somerset, said: “Oliver’s death was confirmed at 5pm on July 17 by the attending paramedic at the A396 at Timberscombe, near Minehead.
“The brief circumstances of the death are that Oliver was a student of Minehead Middle School who was being taken back to Minehead by coach with a number of other children and staff having been on a trip to Exmoor Zoo.
“The coach came off the A396 road at Timberscombe into a steep wooded area.
“Oliver was found seated in the coach with his seat belt on. His death was confirmed by the attending paramedic.
“Oliver’s provisional cause of death is head injury pending results of laboratory investigations.”
The inquest was adjourned ahead of a full hearing on January 14.
Witnesses will include adult passengers, the coach driver, and specialist collision investigators and vehicle examiners.
Ms McKinlay said: “The likely scope of the inquest will be the events of the day prior to the coach leaving the road, the circumstances in which the coach left the road and Oliver’s medical cause of death.
“I would like to close by offering my condolences to Oliver’s family.”
Up to 70 pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School were returning from a trip to Exmoor Zoo when the crash unfolded.
A hero off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach rushed over to free passengers immediately after the horror.
The vehicle is now subject to a detailed examination by experts.
Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Oliver’s family at what must be an unimaginably difficult time. We will continue to make sure they’re updated.
“Our investigation is now well underway with officers working tirelessly to find out what caused it. This work is likely to take some time and we’re asking for patience while these enquiries take place.
“Over the last few days we have been working closely with our partner agencies and the school to ensure support is in place for anyone who might need it.
“We are extremely grateful for all the support that’s been received locally. This clearly shows how special and close-knit this community is.
“I would like to also thank all the emergency services and voluntary groups who responded for their support as well as everyone in our hospitals who continue to help those who were injured.”
Minehead Middle School’s website stated that pupils in that year group (aged nine to 10) were due to visit the zoo as part of the school’s “Enrichment Week” activities.
Ridlers Coaches director Peter Prior-Sankey said previously: “Everyone at Ridlers is truly devastated by yesterday’s tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers remain with the pupils, their families, and the school.
“Our thanks go to the incredible emergency service teams for their response, and to those across our local hospitals and community who have done so much for those impacted over the last 24 hours.
“I can confirm that the driver is himself in a stable condition in hospital, but with a number of injuries. We are in contact with his wife and family, and have offered ongoing support.”
He added that staff at the company are being supported and he and his team are liaising with Somerset Council.
ANDREW LLOYDThe coach was returning from a school trip when it left the road[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
