UPDATED: DRIVER FREED FROM CAR AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH WITH SCHOOL BUS AT WHIPPINGHAM

2 school children have escaped injury – but a number of other people have been hospitalised – following a crash between a school bus and 2 cars at Whippingham. Emergency services have battled the elements whilst tending to a number of casualties as a result of the multi-vehicle collision on Whippingham Road. The incident, which has blocked the main road in and out of East Cowes this evening, occurred at 15:57 in wet driving conditions and saw an orange-coloured car collide with the front offside of an oncoming Vectis Blue school bus. Island Echo understands 4 people – including a pregnant woman – were inside 1 of the cars involved, with firefighters working alongside paramedics to free the female driver. The other occupants did not require extrication. The impact has left the vehicle unrecognisable with significant offside damage sustained. It’s understood the driver has now been conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital by land accompanied by flying doctors from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, who were scrambled to the scene. The extent of the injuries sustained by all parties is unclear at this time, but Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed 2 children on the bus – thought to be the 201 from Christ the King College – have not been injured. Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway but eyewitness accounts have already given officers a clear indication of the moments leading up to the collision. Whippingham Road is expected to remain closed for several hours with hard 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 @ 20:18 – Whippingham Road has now reopened following recovery of the vehicles involved. UPDATE TUESDAY – It has been confirmed that a 24-year-old woman – thought to be the driver of the orange car – sustained a serious injury in yesterday’s collision.