School bus crashes into ditch in Kent

School children escaped unhurt after a bus “slipped” off the road on black ice and crashed into a ditch in Kent.

Kent Police were called soon after 8am after a bus left the road at Chilmington Green, Ashford, and ended up in a ditch.

Officers, paramedics and three fire engines attended the scene to help passengers leave the bus, and there were no reported injuries.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the bus, heading to Homewood School in Tenterden, was believed to have “slipped” off the road due to black ice.

It said in a statement: “There are no reported injuries and the cause is believed to be the vehicle slipping on black ice.

“Crews are reminding everyone to use extra caution when driving in cold temperatures as there could be black ice on the roads, so avoid sudden braking and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front.”

Early messages on social media reported that the Stagecoach vehicle was full of school children when it left the road.

Stagecoach said their driver responded  “calmly and professionally” and confirmed that the incident is “under review”.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Officers attended and remain on scene to assist while passengers leave the bus and the vehicle is recovered.

“Paramedics attended as a precaution.

“There were no reported injuries.”

Joel Mitchell, managing director at Stagecoach South East, said: ““Stagecoach can confirm that an incident occurred at approximately 8.13am on Wednesday January 7 on the A28 in Ashford, involving one of our school buses.

“At the time of the incident, road conditions in the area were icy. Emergency services attended as a precaution while passengers safely disembarked. There have been no reported injuries.”

“Our driver responded calmly and professionally, and I am very grateful for his actions in ensuring the safety of all passengers during a challenging incident.

“Stagecoach is co-operating fully with the local authorities, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under review.”