Primary school bus bridge crash: investigations continue into the circumstances as a warning is issued to drivers of high-sided vehicles

Eight children incurred what were described by the North West Ambulance Service as minor injuries which just required assessment and treatment at the scene, and one boy suffered a “nasty cut to the head” which required hospital treatment, but other pupils from Wood Fold Primary in Standish, thankfully, escaped unscathed following the lunchtime collision on Spendmore Lane, Coppull, Chorley, on Wednesday December 3.

Redline Travel of Preston, whose bus it was that struck a metal gantry and parapet on the structure, today said that it would not be commenting until all investigations into the incident had been concluded.

Lancashire Police has been approached for an update into its inquiries into the circumstances of the smash and whether any criminal proceedings might be brought against the driver.

Large detours were put in place and there was much traffic congestion on both the Standish and Chorley sides of the bridge for several hours following the incident and precautions were also taken with train services.

The group returned to school on an alternative coach. The council said all parents and guardians were notified and arrangements made for the pupils involved to be collected from school.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “On Wednesday December 3 at around 12.40pm we received a call from Lancashire Police advising us that a school bus had struck a collision barrier at a bridge on Spendmore Lane, Coppull.

"We immediately put in place safety precautions for trains travelling over the bridge and sent a team to inspect the site. The railway was fully reopened at around 13.30pm.

“Bridge strikes like these have the potential to be very dangerous and disruptive but they can be avoided.

"We urge drivers to always know the height and size of their vehicles - including any loads they are carrying - and to carefully plan their routes so our infrastructure isn’t put at risk in this way.”

As the transport authority for the area, Lancashire County Council was approached for a comment but deferred to Network Rail.

Wigan Council said: “Alongside the school's leadership team, we would like to thank the emergency services staff who acted swiftly at the scene and will help to provide further support for those affected.

"School staff would also like to extend their gratitude to Morris Quality Bakers in Coppull for supporting teachers and pupils following the incident."