Students from Spalding Grammar and Spalding High Schools offered support after escaping overturned school bus

Spalding students involved in a bus crash last night are being offered support from their schools.

In a joint statement, Spalding Grammar School and Spalding High School said they were in contact with the families of those affected and they understood none of the children had sustained serious injuries last night (Thursday).

Six pupils were travelling on a school bus when it left the road at the Garden Lane junction with Leverington Common near Wisbech and toppled into a water-filled ditch.

Quick-thinking passers-by smashed their way onto the bus to rescue the children and comfort the female bus driver who was trapped in the vehicle and had to be freed by emergency services.

The children were later collected from the scene by their parents.

In a joint statement, Spalding Grammar School and Spalding High School said: "We have been made aware by the police that some of our students were involved in a road traffic accident last night (Thursday) on their way home from school.

"We understand from the police that the children were collected by parents from the scene of the accident.

"From the information we have so far, we understand that none have sustained significant serious injuries.

"School support is in place for the children affected by this incident and we are in contact with families to give help where we can.

"We have been told that the bus driver was taken to hospital following the accident and wish her the very best for a speedy recovery."

Those involved in rescuing the children described what happened on social media sites, where grateful parents expressed their thanks.

Cheryl Harty said she helped with first aid. Some of the good Samaritans who did the rescuing were named as Laurence Manning, Katieleigh Julian, and Joseph Pugh.

Katieleigh added: “We did the best we could for everyone on that bus, we made sure we had all the children out and safe, me, Laurence and Joseph smashed the window and climbed in passing the children out.

“Once they were out we made sure they were all ok. We checked the bus several times to make sure no children were left behind. Then Laurence sat with the bus driver until she was able to be removed from the bus.”

One of the children’s mums commented on Facebook: “I am also very grateful to them. Our daughter was on it and a man smashed the window to get her out. So glad everyone is ok, could have been so much worse. Thank you to those who helped.”

A police spokesperson said: “The driver of the bus is believed to have minor injuries and will be taken to hospital as a precaution.”

Other comments on news of the rescue and everyone’s lucky escape from serious injury included: “So pleased everyone is OK – thank goodness.”

The mum of one of the girls on the bus added: “Thank you to you all! What great people you are. Thank you so much.”

And another comment read: “Well done all involved and glad everyone is okay.”