Icy conditions cause military coach crash

A coach carrying 30 members of the Armed Forces has crashed into a tree leaving three soldiers critically injured a spokesman for Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) has said.

The coach crashed when it came off the A40 at Puesdown, south east of Cheltenham.

The rest of the passengers suffered various less severe injuries, but those needing medical treatment were taken to Cheltenham General Hospital.

Just miles away a minibus with 14 people onboard travelling on the A40 to the west of Gloucester, also skidded on ice in Highnam, injuring one person seriously and leaving 11 "walking wounded". They were taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

The spokesman said: "Clearly these are both very serious incidents with multiple patients injured. Occurring within a few miles of each other, it has resulted in us dispatching considerable resources.

"Crews from ambulance stations across Gloucestershire have responded, while we have also dispatched crews from our Avon sector."

It is believed the roads in the area are treacherously icy and "contributed to both the incidents".

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Zoe Sutton from law firm Irwin Mitchell's specialist Armed Forces accident claims team said: "The weather has been extremely cold over the past few weeks and has led to very treacherous road conditions. This crash appears to be caused by ice on the roads and has left many in need of medical attention and three soldiers in critical condition."

Military injury compensation

All military accidents (On and Off duty) are handled by our specialist military injury claims team who have the expert knowledge and experience to deal with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), their claims handling insurers and solicitors.

We also understand the unique demands of Service life and we work closely with a number of the military welfare branches and organisations including; SSAFA, Combat Stress, BLESMA, Defence Medical Welfare Services and a number of the Regimental Associations. Irwin Mitchell is also the appointed Legal Representative under PAX Personal Accident Insurance (Legal Expenses) for personal injury claims.

We can ensure that you not only get the right legal advice, but where appropriate, the right welfare support and guidance.

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.