UPDATED: A mainland coach and a 4×4 have collided between Ningwood and Shalfleet this afternoon (Thursday), resulting in Police, fire and ambulance crews rushing to the scene.
It is understood a Land Rover has collided with the coach between Warlands Lane and The Horse and Groom pub. The incident occurred at just before 15:30.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have 2 appliances from Newport and Freshwater, a rescue tender and 2 officers on scene and are working to free the driver of the coach from the wreckage.
A total of 3 people have been injured.
The road has been closed in both directions under a hard road closure.
UPDATE @ 17:05 – The male driver of the coach, which hails from North Devon, has been extricated from the heavily damaged vehicle by fire crews. He is being conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital by land ambulance.
Stag Lane Motors are on scene to recover both the coach and 4×4, however the road is expected to remain closed for at least another hour.
UPDATE @ 17:42 – Amazingly, the occupants of the Land Rover and around 30 people on the coach have escaped any serious injury in what could have quite easily been a fatal collision.
It is thought the coach driver has sustained relativity minor injuries, but all precautions are being taken.
The Land Rover Discovery is unrecognisable after crashing head on with the oncoming coach, which was traveling back from a day at The Needles.
Those on board the coach have been transferred to another vehicle.
The road remains closed in both directions, however it is expected to reopen once debris has been cleared from the carriageway.
UPDATE @ 19:30 – The road has now reopened in both directions following the recovery of the vehicles.
