EIGHTEEN teenagers escaped with minor injuries after a crash between a school minibus, an empty coach and a car.

The accident happened at Fromes Hill on the A4103 at 2.50pm yesterday, and involved a minibus full of South Bromsgrove High School rugby players, a Yeoman's 52-seater coach, which had no passengers, and a red Renault Megane.

Fifteen children were taken to Ronkswood Hospital and two to Hereford General Hospital for treatment after the crash.

Five were stretchered away from the scene on spinal boards and the other were described as "walking wounded".

One was suffering from leg injuries, and others had neck injuries and concussion, but all of the children were later discharged from hospital.

Bromyard, Malvern and Worcester fire crews attended the scene of the smash, as well as four ambulances.

"It was one of those fortunate incidents which could have been terrible, and looked terrible, but was actually less serious than it looked," said leading firefighter Nic Browning, of Malvern fire station, who attended the scene.

Phil McTague, headteacher at South Bromsgrove High School, said the Year Nine rugby team was on its way to a match at Aylestone High School, in Hereford, when the crash happened.

They were travelling in a hired minibus, as the school has a policy of not using its own transport so teachers can concentrate on discipline instead of driving.

"We are very pleased all the children are back at home and have not had any serious injuries," he added.

The road was closed for more than an hour, and at 4.20pm one lane was opened and traffic was able to pass slowly.

Police said the accident caused "considerable" tailbacks in the area.

They are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to contact Hereford Communications Room on 01432 276422.