Three dead in school bus crash

THREE people died and four were fighting for their lives today after a crash involving a school coach.

Thirty-five others were injured when the coach carrying children was in the crash with a minibus and a car just before 3.47pm on the A66 near Keswick in Cumbria.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police said: "At this time, and based on very early information from the scene, it is believed that there have been three fatalities, four people are in a critical condition, and around 35 are walking wounded.

"Police and fire are in attendance along with six helicopters, RAF as well as air ambulances, six ambulances, non-emergency ambulances, rapid response vehicles, Basics doctors and mountain rescue teams.

"Serious casualties have been airlifted to Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Preston A&E.

"The first receiving hospital is West Cumberland, the second receiving hospital is Cumberland Infirmary.

"Paramedics and doctors are currently assessing the walking wounded's injuries, which range from minor cuts to fractures to spinal injuries.

"The A66 has been closed while emergency services deal with the scene.

"Motorists are advised to follow a diversion route from Crosthwaite roundabout via A591 to Bothel and on the A595 to Cockermouth.

"Police are working to confirm where the coach and minibus started from and were headed on their journeys so we can establish exactly who are involved.

"A casualty bureau is also being set up for concerned parents and guardians to call. Further information and a contact number will be issued within the next 30 minutes."