17 in hospital in M40 coach crash

A couple from Oxford were among 17 people treated in hospital after a coach overturned on the M40 in thick fog and ice. All the passengers and the driver were taken to the John Radcliffe hospital but their injuries were described as minor. Here's Mary Stanley's report

Thames Valley Police have announced that the exit slip road at junction 7 of the M40 will remain closed until later today. It is for barrier repair works following this morning's coach crash.

Drivers are advised that, as well as the exit slip road closure, there is queueing traffic and congestion on M40 to J6 B4009 (Watlington).

There is a diversion, instructing drivers to exit at J8 or J8A instead, then use local roads towards Thame, Oxford or Stadhampton.

Investigations are continuing into what caused a coach to crash in the early hours of this morning.

The driver and sixteen passengers were injured after the vehicle overturned on the M40 in Oxfordshire.

It happened at junction 7 of the northbound carriageway near Thame just before 3am.

A major incident was declared as ambulance crews dealt with the influx of casualties.

Sgt Mark Scully, Thames Valley Police:

Two friends have told ITV News Meridian of the moment they awoke to find the coach they were on crashing onto the embankment.

Iuliia and Oleksandr from Ukraine, were two of the seventeen people injured after the coach overturned on the M40 in Oxfordshire.

It happened at junction 7 of the northbound carriageway near Thame just before 3am this morning.

A major incident was declared as ambulance crews dealt with the influx of casualties.

The Oxford Bus Company has issued a statement following this morning's crash where one of its coaches overturned on the M40.

Seventeen people - sixteen passengers and the driver - had to be taken to hospital following the crash. Their injuries include a spinal injury, a broken collarbone, minor head injuries and cuts and bruises.

Company bosses say the coach driver is very experienced and has worked for them for twenty years. In the statement, they also say they are doing everything possible to assist those involved in the accident and that it will continue to assist the emergency services with their investigations.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has said it was very cold and foggy at the time of the incident.

Oxford Bus Company's full statement:

A male bus driver and 16 passengers have been taken to hospital with injuries after the coach they were travelling on overturned on the M40 in Oxfordshire.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) this morning confirmed that 17 people had been taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford with a variety of minor injuries.

Several people have been injured after a bus overturned on the M40 in Oxfordshire.

It happened at junction 7 northbound. The slip road for Thame is closed for vehicle recovery and accident investigation work.

The police and fire service are at the scene.

Those inside the coach managed to escape with minor injuries.