Driver held and 10 hurt as lorry hits school bus in Kendal

A BUS driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after a crash in Cumbria injured six children and four adults.
The scene of the crash in Lowgill, KendalThe scene of the crash in Lowgill, Kendal
The scene of the crash in Lowgill, Kendal

Police have launched an inquiry into the cause of the smash which involved an HGV and a bus.

The emergency services were called to the A685 in Greyrigg, near Kendal, at 8.25am.

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A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “The driver of the bus, a man aged 47 from Kendal, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He is currently helping police with their inquiries.”

In total, 30 people were involved - 28 passengers and two drivers.

A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service said 10 injured people, including six children, were taken to hospitals in Preston and Lancaster.

“Six children with minor injuries have also been taken to Royal Lancaster. All patients have non life-threatening injuries,” the spokesman added.

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The 44-year-old driver of the HGV, from Kendal, was removed from the cabin by emergency services and airlifted to Preston Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

There were 24 child passengers on the bus, aged between 11 and 18, including 14 girls and 10 boys.

Four adult passengers were also involved.

The bus company confirmed that its service resumed in Kendal from 12.45pm.

The road will remain closed for a few hours while collision investigation officers examine the scene, police said.

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Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Local schools have been informed and parents are advised to contact their schools if they have any concerns.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 and ask to speak to the Cumbria roads policing unit.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Environment Agency officials are at the scene of the crash due to the large amount of spilt diesel fuel from the HGV.

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Cumbria County Council has called out a specialist clean-up contractor to deal with the spillage.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “I want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their commitment, speed and professionalism. They did amazing work this morning and I want to thank them for all they did.”

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