TWO children were hospitalised after a bus had its roof ripped off in a horror crash.
The bus collided with a car at about 8.15am in Clavering, Essex, leaving the upper deck seriously damaged.
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Three children were assessed at the scene while two were rushed to Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge.
But the pair are believed to only have minor injuries.
Photographs taken at the scene show significant damage to the bus’s roof after it hit a branch of a tree.
Joyce Frankland Academy, in Newport, which has about 1,000 children aged 11 to 18, said the bus was taking some of its pupils to school before the crash.
Children screamed in terror and dived for cover in their seats as the bus crunched into the heavy bough and the roof was sheared off.
An air ambulance and fire crews were among the emergency vehicles that scrambled to the scene.
On arrival, crews reported finding a car and bus had been in a collision, said Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.
“The bus had also collided with a tree branch causing extensive damage to the roof,” a statement said.
“Nobody was trapped in either vehicle and firefighters worked alongside partners to make the scene safe by 9am.”
Joyce Frankland Academy said in a statement that the roof of the 446 bus was damaged as it struck the tree.
“We know the police and ambulance services are managing the situation to assess everyone involved, and thankfully our current understanding is that no serious injuries have been caused.
“However, we are aware that some students have been taken to A&E and minor injuries by their parents to have some cuts and grazes looked at.”
A minibus was called to bring the children to school.
“While most students appear to be OK, we know that this could have been a traumatic experience” Joyce Frankland Academy added.
“Therefore we have made arrangements in school to provide a space for anyone who may be in shock or upset by the events.
“Thank you to all students and parents for the calm manner in which they helped to handle the situation.”
Clatterbury Lane was closed after the shocking smash.
Drivers have been advised to check before they travel and to plan their journey accordingly.
