Storm Bert: school bus stuck in flood water near Eckington

A mum has described her shock when a bus with 57 children inside, including her son and daughter, got stranded in rising flood water near Eckington Bridge, near Defford.

TRAPPED: The bus stuck in flood water as the fire service launches a boat rescue (Image: Tor Ward) Tor Ward captured these dramatic photos of the rescue as her children, Maisey Ward, 13, and son Stan Ward, 15, were among the children rescued as boat crews were launched by the fire service.

She said: "I had a message off my daughter to tell me that they had got stuck in the floods and the bus was tipping. She then sent me a video.

"Of course I panicked! I then tried to get hold of my son who said he was fine and the boats were coming to get them.

"I knew they were safe at this point but you send your kids off on the school bus assuming they are safe and it’s just terrifying to know they are in the hands of somebody else’s bad decisions!"

RESCUE: The dramatic boat rescue near Eckington as a bus got stuck in floods (Image: Tor Ward) She praised firefighters and added: "Emergency services were amazing and should receive full credit."

We have previously reported how the EV12 bus heading towards Prince Henry's High School, Evesham, was driving over the Eckington Bridge, which is on the Pershore Road between Eckington and Defford, when it came of the road and was unable to escape.

Two fire engines and a Land Rover from Malvern as well as boat crews from Worcester and Evesham had to rescue the students from the stranded coach.

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: "57 schoolchildren and one adult were rescued from the vehicle and continued their journey to school on a replacement coach."

Dr Evans, headteacher of Prince Henry's High School, said: "This morning, the police have made us aware that there was an accident involving the EV12 bus at Eckington Bridge, with 57 of our students on board.

"At the current time our understanding is that the bus had left the road and ended up in a ditch with flood water around it.

"The fire service and police have been attending the scene, supporting the students."

The fire service had to rescue someone after their car become trapped in the water overnight.

A spokesperson said: " Two fire crews  from Worcester and Upton-upon-Severn Fire Stations, including the Upton water first responders – plus the boat from Evesham were called at 05:45 on 25 November to a vehicle in water at Eckington Bridge, Pershore.

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"A man was rescued from his vehicle using the water first responders’ raft. Eckington Road was closed by fire service personnel on the Eckington side.

"The incident was marked as pending closure at 07:13."

Eckington Road was closed by Worcestershire County Council at 7.10am. 

It is not currently known whether the incident took place before or after the closure.

Dr Evans added: "We have been informed by the police officer in charge at the scene that none of the students are injured, nobody requires first aid and they are safe and well.

"The police have asked that parents or carers do not go to the scene, as this is impeding the recovery operation."