A coach carrying 40 pupils overturned on route to school in Cumbernauld earlier this week. The single decker vehicle was sent tumbling down an embankment on Downfield Road, outside Our Lady’s High School shortly before 9.00am. Twenty-six children were taken to hospital with minor injuries and the others were taken on to school where they received attention. Thankfully no other vehicles were involved.
It is understood that the investigation will focus on mechanical failure, after other possibilities such as weather conditions were ruled out. Students on the coach claim that mechanical issues were apparent before the crash. One pupil told the BBC: "On one of the roundabouts, the driver had pulled his key back. I thought his engine had started to malfunction because the bus was shaking. We came to the corner and he tried to pull his key out again because we thought the bus had malfunctioned again and it started to speed up...we hit the lamp-post and then the bus toppled and fell over and unfortunately I fell on one of my friends." The bus is owned by JD Travel, a company based in Airdrie.
The incident, although shocking, was dealt with by staff and emergency services with calmness and clarity. Twenty-nine ambulances, in addition police and fire services were rapidly deployed. The driver was able to free student quickly by smashing windows. A science teacher, Mr Gregor was also quickly on the scene helping with evacuation. All the pupils were safely out by the time the emergency services arrived. There was a small engine fire which was rapidly extinguished.
Danny McNulty, head teacher at the school, said: "I would like to thank the emergency services for their speedy response this morning, and the entire school community who pulled together at this difficult time to support one another.”
The prompt response of all concerned to the incident is to be widely praised, but we can take from it key lessons in vehicle maintenance. Coaches and buses must be subject to regular maintenance checks, including a set of standard checks undertaken by the driver before a journey. If you are hiring a vehicle you must also conduct checks and secure evidence of professional maintenance having been undertaken. Research the company you are using, checking accident books and records. Early detection of an issue can help prevent children and staff being placed in a perilous position, like that seen earlier this week in Scotland. HandsamSchoolTripsAdvisor has a useful trip planning system, to help you ensure you source the safest and the best in all elements of trip preparation.
