Teacher killed and four seriously hurt in ski-trip coach crash

Peter Rippington was killed and four others seriously injured when the bus flipped over and came to rest at the bottom of an embankment near the city of Reims in the Champagne-Ardenne region in the early hours of yesterday.

Mr Rippington’s wife Sharon was also injured in the crash, which involved 29 pupils from Alvechurch Middle School in Worcestershire.

A statement from the Rippington 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.

“Until they are safely home we ask that our privacy is respected and that we are left to grieve with our friends and family.”

A total of 27 people were taken to hospital following the crash, with 22 of those said to have minor injuries.

It is not known how many of the seriously injured are children.

Interski Snowsport School, the company that arranged the trip, said there were 21 adults on the coach when it crashed on the A26 at Chalons-en-Champagne.

There were two drivers on board, along with six Interski instructors and 13 adults belonging to the school party.

Mr Rippington was described as a “one of a kind teacher” by his pupils, who gathered at the school in shock.

Speaking outside, Supt Steve Cullen of West Mercia Police, said: “This is a very sad incident and I want to express our sympathy to all those affected by the crash.

“I want to offer reassurance to local people that we are doing all we can to help and support all the children.”