Three rushed to hospital and 14 treated at scene after double-decker crashes into River Itchen in Eastleigh
A double-decker bus packed with college students careered off the road and plunged into a river this morning, leaving three youngsters needing urgent hospital treatment and more than a dozen others injured.
The dramatic crash sent shockwaves through the Hampshire town of Eastleigh as emergency crews mounted a major rescue operation to pull terrified teenagers from the stricken vehicle.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed the bus – designated College Bus 607 – was carrying students from Barton Peveril Sixth Form College when it left Bishopstoke Road and ended up in the River Itchen.
Fire crews with stretchers were seen rushing to evacuate passengers from the bus, which remarkably remained upright in the water despite the violent crash. At least five ambulances raced to the residential street, while two air ambulances landed nearby as paramedics battled to treat the injured.
Major Emergency Response
South Central Ambulance Service deployed a massive response to the incident, sending multiple units including five ambulances, two helicopters and specialist response teams to the scene.
A spokesperson revealed the scale of the injuries: “All patients have been removed from the bus. Three high priority patients are being taken to hospital. Around 14 with less serious injuries are being treated on scene.”
The road has been completely sealed off by police, with officers warning it could remain closed for up to 12 hours while investigators work to establish what caused the bus to leave the carriageway.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews from five stations – Eastleigh, St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hightown and Portchester – were working alongside other emergency services at the scene.
“We are on scene of an RTC involving one double decker bus that went off the road in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh,” a fire service spokesperson said, urging people to avoid the area.
Parents’ Anguish
Frantic parents rushed towards the crash site as news of the accident spread, but police moved quickly to establish an incident centre away from the scene to manage the developing crisis.
We ask that people do not attend the actual scene,” a police spokesperson said. “For concerned parents, an Incident Centre has been established at The Hub at Bishopstoke.”
Officers and college staff were stationed at the hub to provide updates and answer desperate questions from worried families.
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, which has approximately 4,800 students aged 16-18 and is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, immediately activated its emergency procedures.
“We are aware of an incident involving the College 607 Bus,” a college spokesperson said. College staff are working closely with the police to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Picturesque Setting Turned to Chaos
The crash occurred in Bishopstoke, a historic village on the eastern bank of the River Itchen, about a mile from Eastleigh town centre. The area, known for its peaceful riverside setting and as a popular spot for walkers, was transformed into a scene of emergency activity.
The River Itchen, which flows through the village, is part of the historic Itchen Navigation – a waterway that once connected Winchester to Southampton. The tree-lined stretch where the crash occurred is normally a tranquil spot popular with dog walkers and nature lovers.
Local residents spoke of their shock at seeing the double-decker in the water. The bus service is one of several dedicated routes operated for Barton Peveril students, with operators Bluestar and Xelabus running services from across the region to the college’s campus on Chestnut Avenue.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the extended road closure suggesting a detailed forensic examination of the scene.
The College Bus 607 service is a regular route for students travelling to Barton Peveril, which attracts high-achieving students from Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Southampton, Fair Oak, Hedge End, Fareham, Romsey and Winchester.
As emergency crews continued their work at the scene, questions were already being raised about what could have caused a bus full of students to leave the road and end up in the river.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young people travelling to education, with thousands of students across Hampshire relying on dedicated bus services to reach their colleges every day.
Community in Shock
The crash has sent ripples of concern through the tight-knit communities served by Barton Peveril, one of Hampshire’s most prestigious sixth form colleges. The institution, part of the Wessex Group of Sixth Form Colleges, has built a reputation for academic excellence over many years.
Located on the outskirts of Eastleigh, the college offers a wide range of A-levels and vocational courses. Many students travel considerable distances to attend, making the college bus services a vital lifeline for education in the region.
Emergency services praised the quick response from all agencies involved, with the coordinated effort ensuring all passengers were evacuated from the bus despite the challenging circumstances of the vehicle being in the river.
As the investigation continues and families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, the focus remains on supporting those affected by this morning’s traumatic events. The incident centre at The Hub continues to provide a focal point for information and support as the community rallies around those caught up in the crash.
The full circumstances behind how a routine journey to college turned into a major emergency remain under investigation, with police expected to provide updates as their enquiries progress.
