Two 12-year-old boys were seriously injured in a crash involving a school bus and a car on Teesside.
Two 12-year-old boys were seriously injured in a crash involving a school bus and a car on Teesside.
A further 19 children and an adult were also hurt when the bus, which was carrying up to 20 pupils, hit a tree in an area busy with schoolchildren.
A further 19 children and an adult were also hurt when the bus, which was carrying up to 20 pupils, hit a tree in an area busy with schoolchildren.
All the injured have been taken to hospitals in the region.
All the injured have been taken to hospitals in the region.
Cleveland Police described the collision, which happened outside English Martyrs School on Catcote Road, Hartlepool, as a major incident.
Cleveland Police described the collision, which happened outside English Martyrs School on Catcote Road, Hartlepool, as a major incident.
Broken bones
Broken bones
The two most seriously injured, the 12-year-old boys, were airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where their condition is described as poorly but stable.
Many of the injured were pedestrians, as pupils were leaving the school when the accident happened just after 1530 BST.
Twelve children were taken to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, where their injuries were being assessed. Many are suffering from suspected broken bones.
Eyewitnesses reported that children were trapped beneath the wheels of the bus after it ploughed through a fence and into a tree.
Seven children and an adult suffered minor injuries and were taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
It is thought that some of the injured were pedestrians, as pupils were leaving the school when the accident happened just after 1530 BST.
A fleet of ambulances attended the scene, as well as the air ambulance which used a nearby rugby club as a landing zone.
A fleet of ambulances attended the scene, as well as the air ambulance which used a nearby rugby club as a landing zone.
The two most seriously injured, the 12-year-old boys, were airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where their condition is described as poorly but stable.
Twelve children were taken to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton where they were treated for injuries including broken bones. All but two have now been released.
Seven children and an adult suffered minor injuries and were taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool. They have all since been released.
An investigation into the cause of the accident is to be carried out.
Police have set up an incident number for witnesses and concerned relatives. The number is 01642 300 200.
Police have set up an incident number for witnesses and concerned relatives. The number is 01642 300 200.
The head of English Martyrs School, Joe Hughes, said there there would be a special assembley on Wednesday morning.
"As well as giving an accurate update to all year groups we will hold prayers and reflect together on what has happened."
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Are you in the area? Have you been affected by this crash? Send us your comments by filling in the form below.
