Bus driver held after his vehicle carrying schoolchildren crashed with lorry ... - Daily Mail

• Bus driver arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following collision
• 13 people injured when bus carrying children crashed into HGV
  

By Hugo Gye

PUBLISHED: 06:37 EST, 23 September 2013 | UPDATED: 10:58 EST, 23 September 2013

A bus driver has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after being involved in a crash today which injured 13 people and triggered a massive emergency services response.

Five ambulances were dispatched to the scene of the accident on the A685 at Greyrigg, near Kendal in Cumbria.

The crash occurred just before 8.30am when a bus carrying passengers including schoolchildren collided with a heavy goods vehicle, spilling fuel all over the road.

Crash: The scene of an accident in Cumbria involving a bus carrying schoolchildren and a heavy goods vehicle

In total, 30 people were involved - 28 passengers and two drivers.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said: 'The driver of the bus, a man aged 47 from Kendal, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He is currently helping police with their inquiries.'

A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service said 13 injured people, including eightchildren, were taken to hospitals in Preston and Lancaster.

There were 24 child passengers on the bus, aged between 11 and 18, including 14 girls and 10 boys.

The 44-year-old driver of the HGV was removed from the cabin by emergency services and taken to Preston Hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Location: The crash came in the community of Lowgill near Kendal in the Lake District

The road was closed for several hours while collision investigation officers examine the scene, police said.

The bus route was temporarily suspended this morning, while diversions are in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

Local schools have been informed of the accident, and parents were advised to contact their schools if they have any concerns.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Environment Agency officials are at the scene of the crash due to the large amount of spilt diesel fuel from the HGV.

Cumbria County Council has called out a specialist clean-up contractor to deal with the spillage.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: 'I want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their commitment, speed and professionalism. They did amazing work this morning and I want to thank them for all they did.'

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 and ask to speak to the Cumbria roads policing unit.

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