A HEADTEACHER has spoken of his relief that a busload of children escaped serious injury when a tractor grabber crashed into the side of a double decker.

More than 40 pupils from Bradon Forest School were travelling home when the crash occurred in Lydiard Millicent shortly after 4pm on Monday.

A teenage girl was expected to be released from hospital yesterday after dislocating her shoulder and suffering cuts to her leg and hand.

The Year 8 girl was cut free and airlifted to the Great Western Hospital after getting trapped in the top deck. Two other girls were released from hospital on Monday evening.

Head Len Spiers said: “Obviously we are very relieved at the outcome, as it could have been more serious. I am delighted the three students who needed hospital treated only had minor injuries.

“My heart was in my stomach when I saw the photographs of the scene on a website.”

Children who were upset after the collision have been receiving support at the Purton-based secondary and parents were sent letters and telephoned.

“It is about making sure everybody knows clear facts,” said Mr Spiers.

“Children were all updated by their tutors and support is available for anyone who is upset. The atmosphere has been very calm.”

The B4 bus was operated by Thamesdown Transport and was on its way to Sparcells and Peatmoor before the accident happened. Police have confirmed no arrests have been made.

Paul Jenkins, Thamesdown’s managing director, said: “I have been to see the bus driver at home and she is shaken by the incident. Obviously we will be carrying out our own investigation.”

Lydiard Millicent Parish Council vice chairman John Bennett said the stretch of road where the accident occurred – leading into the village from Greatfield – has been a cause of concern for some time.

He said: “Any collision particularly one involving school children is upsetting but we are not surprised something like this has happened.

“The stretch of road running from the crossroads into the village is registered with the Community Safety Partnership as an area of community concern.

“Cameras are put up periodically – which has helped to slow the traffic. We are working with Wiltshire Highways to find ways to calm the traffic even more.”

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “No arrests have been made following this accident. Checks will be made on both vehicles involved, which is standard procedure following a serious collision.”