Coach Crash: Teacher's Family 'Devastated' - Sky News

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5:13pm UK, Sunday February 19, 2012

The family of a British teacher killed in a coach crash in northern France say they are "devastated" - as it emerged his wife was among those injured in the accident.

Peter Rippington died and five others seriously hurt when the bus flipped over and came to rest at the bottom of an embankment near the city of Reims early this morning.

The 59-year-old's wife Sharon was also injured in the crash, which involved 29 pupils from Alvechurch Church of England School in Worcestershire.

The school group were returning home from Italy's popular Valle d'Aosta skiing region.

The accident happened at 3am local time (2am GMT) on the A26 motorway near the city of Reims in the Chalone-en-Champagne region.

The coach, owned by Solus Coaches, based in Tamworth, Staffordshire, left the motorway and fell down an embankment, ski company Interski confirmed.

In a statement, Mr Rippington's family said: "We are devastated at the tragic loss of Peter, a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and teacher.

"We are still extremely concerned about the health of his wife, Sharon, who was injured and is still recovering in hospital in France.

"Sharon is accompanied by her daughter Amy, who escaped the incident with minor injuries."

A 13-year-old girl is reported to be in a coma following the accident.

Three others are in a serious condition and 19 people have minor injuries, the Foreign Office has confirmed.

There were two coaches on the school skiing trip - the one carrying girls was involved in the accident.

The coach carrying male pupils has now returned to the Worcestershire school.

No further details of what caused the crash are known, but the Foreign Office has confirmed that there were 18 adults and two drivers on board.

The driver, who was slightly injured, has tested negative for drink or drugs and is being questioned by police. It is believed he may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

Travel company Interski said in a statement on its website that those who were unhurt were being cared for at a sports complex in the region.

Sky's Becky Johnson, outside Alvechurch Church of England School, said it is "an extremely worrying time" for parents waiting for further news.

She added: "Children turning up at the school are visibly upset and their parents are trying to console them."

A bus has been sent to pick up those able to travel home. It is expected to return to the school by 10pm this evening.

Speaking at a news conference, Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council, said everyone was "extremely shocked and saddened" by the incident.

She added that the school will open as normal on Monday, where teachers and trained staff will continue to offer support to those affected.

The UK Foreign Office is urgently investigating the incident and Sir Peter Ricketts, The UK's Ambassador to Paris, has arrived at the French hospital and is speaking to those injured from the crash.

:: People in the UK who are worried about relatives and friends should call the Foreign Office's helpline on 0207 008 1500.