Bus driver saves 11 school children from plunging into a river after bridge collapses

Driver said his ‘training kicked in’ when the Grade II-listed bridge unexpectedly crumbled into the River Teme

Police and paramedics were quick to the scene near Tenbury Wells but there were no reported injuries (Ryan Parkes/Twitter)

Eleven school children were saved from harm by their quick-thinking bus driver when the bridge they were crossing suddenly collapsed into a river.

Driver Derek Trow had to slam on the vehicle’s brakes and reverse rapidly when Eastham Bridge in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, crumbed unexpectedly into the River Teme.

The bus was on its way to drop off pupils from Lindridge St Lawrence CE Primary School in the centre of the market town when the incident occurred at around 3.30pm.

Brickwork from the Grade II-listed bridge, built in 1793, fell 20ft downwards into the water, startling motorists about to cross it.

Police and paramedics were quickly on the scene, but there were no reported injuries.

The bridge was part of a busy commuter route in and out of Tenbury Wells.

Mr Trow told BBC News: “There was an almighty row and the apex collapsed leaving a drop. We would have gone down there. We were lucky.

“I stopped and gestured to the bus behind me to move so I could reverse back to get my wheels off the bridge.

"I've been driving buses for about 17 years, and that's where your training kicks in. You just do it.”

Witness Alan Sheldon added: "Within a few seconds, the complete left hand span collapsed into the river below and shortly afterwards the middle span also went.

"As far as I could see there was no one on the bridge, but shortly afterwards two mini buses turned the corner but were able to stop short of where it collapsed.”

Worcestershire Country Council said the bridge had last been inspected for damage in December and an investigation has been launched to discover the reason for its collapse.

Local councillor, Ken Pollock, said a huge part of the area’s local history had been lost and the situation “could take months to get sorted”.