UPDATED: ‘SCHOOL BUS’ AND CAR INVOLVED IN SERIOUS CRASH AT WHIPPINGHAM

Multiple emergency services are responding to a serious road traffic collision between a coach and a car at Whippingham this afternoon (Monday). Police, fire crews and paramedics have all been called to Whippingham Road, near the junction with East Cowes Road/Alverstone Road. Island Echo is told the incident has involved what appears to be a blue school bus and a car, which has come to rest off the carriageway in a hedge. It is unclear at this early stage whether any injuries have been sustained and the severity of those injuries. The main road is blocked in both directions with all traffic being diverted in and out of East Cowes via Brook Copse Road. Traffic heading out of East Cowes is backed up to the Saunders Way roundabout. Emergency services were alerted to the incident, which occurred in adverse weather, at around 16:00. UPDATE @ 16:42 – It is understood a number of injuries have been reported with further resources from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised to the scene. A total of 4 ambulances, a critical care paramedic, a rapid response paramedic and a Silver Commander are now on scene. UPDATE @ 16:48 – Firefighters are working against the elements to free at least 1 person who is trapped inside one of the vehicles. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has 3 fire appliances and a Rescue Support Vehicle from Newport, Ryde and Shanklin in attendance. UPDATE @ 17:05 – The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been scrambled to the incident and has landed at the roadside, indicating the severity of the injuries sustained. Flying doctors and paramedics are working with local blue light colleagues to assess and treat those involved. Whippingham Road is expected to remain closed for several hours with closures in place between Racecourse Roundabout and Folly Lane. Southern Vectis says its Route 4 and 5 buses are unable to serve East Cowes, with buses terminating at the crematorium bus stop. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, with diversion routes at a standstill. The Cowes Floating Bridge is also suspended due to technical issues. UPDATE @ 18:25 – Police have confirmed the crash has involved a school bus and 2 cars, 1 of which has sustained significant offside damage. The driver has been extricated by fire crews and taken to St Mary’s Hospital. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/driver-freed-from-car-after-head-on-crash-with-school-bus-at-whippingham/.