Fatal Coach Crash in Cornwall

[Temple Meads]

THE director of the firm whose coach crashed in South East Cornwall, leaving two dead and a dozen injured, described the tragedy as "deeply upsetting".

Tony Hazell, director of Carmel Coaches, audibly distressed, said: "Obviously we extend out deepest sympathies to all involved.

"This is the first time in more than 30 years that we've had a death or serious injury.

"It has been a deeply upsetting day for us."

Mr Hazell said staff at the company had spoken to the driver of the vehicle, which crashed on the A387 near Morval shortly after 1pm today.

Three air ambulances - two from Devon and one from Cornwall - six land ambulances, five rapid response vehicles and a hazardous area response team have been sent by South West Ambulance Service Trust to a serious crash involving a coach travelling from Plymouth.

Police have now confirmed that two people have died. The first is believed to be a woman in her 60s who died at the scene. A second person died on arrival at hospital.

From the Plymouth Herald, more here: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/fatal-50-injured-coach-crash-near-Plymouth/story-21089289-detail/story.html

Thoughts with everyone involved

 

[ECML180]

Awful! Best wishes to all the passengers and families, to the operator and driver too who will no doubt be shook up.

 

[richw]

Just said on BBC Spotlight the driver has been arrested and is in custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

 

[83G/84D]

Not that it matters a great deal but the coach involved was YN05 VRW a Plaxton Paragon bodied Irisbus Eurorider.

 

[starrymarkb]

Relieved it's not the group my dad goes touring with from Exmouth (IIRC he goes with a bunch of retired railwaymen)

 

[Temple Meads]

Just said on BBC Spotlight the driver has been arrested and is in custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Oh dear

For what it's worth I must say that every Carmel vehicle I've travelled on has been driven with utmost care and professionalism.

 

[richw]

Oh dear

For what it's worth I must say that every Carmel vehicle I've travelled on has been driven with utmost care and professionalism.

I think it is procedure in such events, possibly nothing further will come.

I drove the road in question on Sunday, and it's a steep down hill gradient, 60mph limit and a bend comes upon you very quickly. 60 is far too fast but perfectly legitimate.

Local residents have even calling for reduced speed limit for years, as they saw a serious crash coming at some point, due to speed cars approach the bend and houses.

 

[Temple Meads]

I think it is procedure in such events, possibly nothing further will come.

In which case it sounds rather like professional drivers are 'guilty until proven innocent' in cases such as this

Of course if there is sufficient evidence a driver has caused a serious incident then they should be taken into custody, but if there isn't that evidence then it seems an overly stressful thing to do to someone after they have been directly involved in a fatal accident..?

 

[richw]

In which case it sounds rather like professional drivers are 'guilty until proven innocent' in cases such as this

Of course if there is sufficient evidence a driver has caused a serious incident then they should be taken into custody, but if there isn't that evidence then it seems an overly stressful thing to do to someone after they have been directly involved in a fatal accident..?

They have to be questioned and interviewed. Remember is is only on suspicion at present time, doesn't mean anything,

Pretty much in any fatal crash this seems to be procedure not just professional drivers

 

[Titfield]

I wonder if the vehicle was fitted with an accident cam or cctv system?

This would at least help determine the cause of the crash.

 

[455driver]

I wonder if the vehicle was fitted with an accident cam or cctv system?

This would at least help determine the cause of the crash.

As will the tachograph.

 

[ECML180]

Passengers usually have a good idea, but from experience the ones at the front of the vehicle are usually more accurate.

 

[90019]

Passengers usually have a good idea, but from experience the ones at the front of the vehicle are usually more accurate.

Though I'd be wary of that, as passengers have a tendancy to exaggerate, particularly in terms of speed.