Coach Believed To Have Slipped On Ice
Two women have died in a coach crash in Cornwall that left another 47 people injured. It is believed that the coach skidded on sheet ice and went on to its side as it travelled on a country road at Townshend, near Hayle at around 2215 on Tuesday. It is believed passengers were on their way home having been to see Christmas lights in the village of Mousehole. The injured passengers were taken to Treliske Hospital in Truro.
A police spokesman said one of the women killed was pronounced dead at the scene. The other is believed to have died after being taken to hospital. Police said the women were from the west Cornwall area. The first police car to arrive at the scene lost control on the same stretch of road and crashed into the overturned coach. The two officers inside the vehicle were not injured. Four of those injured have been said to have serious injuries, with the others described as "walking wounded".
A police spokesman said the coach would not be recovered until later on Wednesday if the weather allowed. The coach left the road, hit a tree and ploughed through a hedge before coming to a stop on its side.
Inspector Matt Shaw said: "It seems from initial investigations that the coach has slipped on ice. The road is covered in a sheet of ice, it's treacherous, it's difficult to even walk down there. It's been difficult because of the number of people on board the coach and of course the number of rescue workers and the various agencies involved. It's been extremely busy."
If you or a loved one has suffered a physical or psychological injury due a road traffic accident involving a bus or coach, you may be able to claim compensation. Find out more information on our Bus & Coach Accident Compensation page.