The incident involved six vehicles, including two lorries, a bike and van, which collided in a horror pile up near Bromley Kent around 3 pm. The accident brought the motorway to a standstill until late into the evening, requiring the dispatch of multiple emergency service vehicles and air ambulance. Some motorists reported delays of over five hours. Reports later emerged that the illegal use of the hard shoulder by some drivers keen to skip the queue, impeded the access of emergency services to the scene.
Thankfully no one on the coach was injured, although the incident was extremely distressing for the pupils, particularly as it involved so many vehicles and serious injuries were sustained elsewhere. The impact from a large articulated lorry also tore part of the roof of the rear of the coach. The school promptly updated parents of the safety of their children and that police were at the scene.
Staff response in this situation was prompt and coordinated. Parents were made aware through the school, not through news reports and the safety of the children was secured.
Handsam can provide a 24/7 telephone response service that ensures that you have a robust system in place should anything go awry on any trip and you need a helping hand. Our Response Centre is staffed by experts. It can absorb significant incoming call volume and make pre-scripted calls to your parents and guardians. Additional services include Trauma Counselling, Crisis PR and Management Mentoring. Click here to find out more.
