The driver of a coach that crashed off a carriageway and ended up in a ditch has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
The accident involving the coach, which was travelling from the Bristol area with 29 schoolchildren on board, happened close to the junction of the A36 and the M27 near Ower, Hampshire, at 5.10am on Thursday.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said the children were unhurt. However, one of four teachers suffered a minor leg injury, and the driver was taken to hospital for minor injuries.
The 48-year-old from Hungerford, Berkshire, has since been arrested and remains in custody.
âWeâre appealing for witnesses following a collision involving a coach earlier today (25 September),â the force spokesperson said.
âA school coach, travelling from the Bristol area, left the southbound carriageway of the A36 and went into a ditch … just after 5.10am, between the Ower roundabout and junction 2 of the M27.
âFortunately, the 29 schoolchildren travelling on the coach were uninjured. One of the four teachers on board suffered a minor leg injury, which was treated at the scene.
âThe school were made aware of the incident and contacted all parents.
âThe driver of the coach, a 48-year-old man from Hungerford, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital as a precaution.
âHe has since been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whist unfit through drink and/or drugs. He remains in custody at this time.
âThe road has now been reopened following a complex recovery of the coach from the ditch.â
