Driver investigated over death crash ‘may have fallen asleep’

The man, named in reports as Derek Thompson, 47, appeared in a court at Chalons-en-Champagne in northern France yesterday following his release from hospital after the crash in the early hours of Sunday.

Initial tests showed he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and he was last night released to return to England on condition he will return to a French court at a later date.

Prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny said: “Witnesses who were driving in the area near the coach saw the vehicle repeatedly swerve towards the verge.

“The tachograph indicates some unexplained variations in speed in the nine minutes before the accident,” the judge explained.

He continued: “While being questioned the driver, having denied falling asleep, has acknowledged that it was possible that he did so.”

Twenty nine pupils from Alvechurch Middle School, in Worcestershire, were travelling on the bus when it flipped over and plunged to the bottom of a motorway embankment on the A26 at Chalons-en-Champagne, near Rheims. Two drivers were on board, along with six Interski instructors and 13 adults.

Popular teacher Peter Rippington was killed, while his wife Sharon and daughter Amy were among the dozens injured in the crash.

Mr Rocquigny said six were seriously hurt. These included a 13-year-old girl who had been transferred for treatment at the Necker children’s hospital in Paris, where she has undergone an operation.

Most of those involved are now back in the UK, the Foreign office confirmed last night, while seven of the injured remain in hospital in France.

The school reopened yesterday as tributes were paid to Mr Rippington, 59.

In a statement, his family said: “We, as a family, are devastated at the tragic loss of Peter, a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and teacher.

“We are still extremely concerned about the health of his wife Sharon, who was injured and is still recovering in hospital in France. Sharon is accompanied by her daughter Amy, who escaped the incident with minor injuries.”

Police officers were on duty at all three entrances to the middle school as pupils arrived at the site, which is also home to Crown Meadow First School and Alvechurch Library.

Many of those entering the campus paused to read notes of sympathy attached to dozens of bunches of flowers in memory of Mr Rippington, along with a photo of him with his wife Sharon, left around a flagpole.

Mr Rippington was desribed as a “dedicated and inspirational teacher”, by Bryan Maybee, chairman of governors of Alvechurch Middle School, in a statement read outside the school.

“He will be so sadly missed by all those who knew him. Our condolences and thoughts at this time are for everyone affected by this tragic accident.”

The chair of governors added: “We continue to wish for the swift recovery and safe return of those who are currently being treated for injuries abroad.

“The school is open today and I can reassure you that specialist support is in place for children and staff. The headteacher’s focus at this time, as I am sure you will understand, is being available to all who need her within the school.

“She joins me in praising Peter Rippington for all he has done for the school and local community over the years and her thoughts, as are mine, are with his family at this tragic time.”

The Rector of Alvechurch, the Rev David Martin, also paid his own tribute in a statement near the school’s main gate: “Peter was very much part of the wider community in Alvechurch and was known and liked by many. He gave his whole life to Alvechurch Church of England Middle School and will be sadly missed.”