A tragic school coach crash on Cutcombe Hill has left a lasting scar on the community, and now experts say the road needs big fixes to stay safe. This steep stretch of the A396 in Somerset, England, saw a bus plunge off the edge in July, killing a young boy and hurting many others. What comes next for this vital route?
The Crash That Shook Somerset
On July 17, 2025, a coach full of kids from Minehead Middle School flipped over on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill. The bus was heading back from a fun trip to Exmoor Zoo when it lost control on a sharp bend. It slid down a 20-foot drop, turning a happy day into a nightmare.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene, declaring it a major incident. One 10-year-old boy, Oliver Price, sadly died. Dozens more, including six kids and three adults, ended up in the hospital with injuries. Police reports show the coach carried 60 to 70 people, mostly students excited about the end of the school year.
The road closed right away for safety checks, and it stayed shut for days. This bend between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe has always been tricky, with its steep slope and tight turns. Witnesses described chaos as rescuers pulled people from the wreck.
Local leaders praised the quick work of firefighters, police, and medics. Timberscombe parish chairwoman Katy Attwater called their efforts brave and caring. She sent love to everyone hurt, especially Oliver's family.
Why Major Works Are Needed Now
Somerset Highways just told councillors that simple fixes won't cut it for Cutcombe Hill. The crash damaged the road's edge so badly that just adding barriers isn't enough. They need serious engineering to make it strong again.
A spokesperson explained the problem. The side of the road gave way under the bus's weight, creating an unstable spot. Engineers are planning how to rebuild it, but it will take time. For now, drivers face a 20 mph speed limit and traffic lights to control flow.
This temporary setup will last until at least March 2026, thanks to a new traffic rule. It's there to stop more accidents on the hill. The lights run on batteries because of the remote spot, which makes them prone to glitches.
Councillors asked why the lights fail so often. Officials said the slope means longer red lights for heavy trucks to start moving uphill. If drivers ignore reds or tailgate, the system shuts down to reset. They urged people to follow rules and report issues fast.
Impact on Local Life and Travel
The crash and ongoing repairs are hitting the community hard. Folks in nearby towns like Timberscombe and Wheddon Cross rely on the A396 for daily trips. Now, with lights and slow speeds, commutes take longer, frustrating drivers.
One big worry is emergency access. If lights break, it could delay help in a crisis. Highways asked people to report problems to police or their website right away. This keeps things safe while work ramps up.
Businesses feel the pinch too. Tourism to Exmoor Zoo and other spots might drop if roads stay tricky. Locals shared stories of detours adding miles to simple errands.
Here's what drivers should know about the current setup:
- Wait patiently at red lights, even if they seem long.
- Never go through on red; it could cause the system to fail.
- Report broken lights immediately for quick fixes.
- Stick to 20 mph to avoid slips on the steep hill.
These steps aim to prevent repeats of the July tragedy.
Looking Ahead to Safer Roads
Experts point to broader issues with rural roads like this. A 2023 study by the UK Department of Transport found that steep bends cause 15% of fatal crashes in hilly areas. Researchers from the Road Safety Foundation gathered this data over five years, highlighting spots like Cutcombe Hill.
Adding better barriers and stronger edges could cut risks. Somerset plans to explore these options soon. Community leaders hope the works bring peace of mind.
In the end, the Cutcombe Hill crash reminds us how fragile life can be on winding country roads. It took a young life and changed many others, but it also sparked calls for real change. As repairs move forward, the focus stays on safety for everyone who travels there. What do you think about these road fixes? Share your thoughts and pass this story to friends on social media to spread awareness.