Eight rescued from minibus crash

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Eight people have been rescued from a minibus after it overturned on the M5 motorway in Worcestershire.

Five children, aged between six and 12, and three women were taken to hospital after the crash near junction five southbound by Droitwich Spa.

The children, who have learning and physical disabilities, suffered neck, back and arm injuries.

The minibus ended up on one side facing the wrong way on the hard shoulder, Hereford and Worcester fire crews said.

It was thought to have been the only vehicle involved in the crash, which happened near a steep embankment at about 1030 BST.

The children were from from Chadsgrove School, Catshill, Bromsgrove.

We are unsure of the details of the incident but our thoughts are with those involved Malcolm Brenner, chairman Variety Club Sunshine Coach committee

Angela McVee, head teacher of the lower school there, told BBC News that no-one suffered life-threatening injuries and parents were contacted immediately.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said one boy, who was trapped in the vehicle for a time, was removed on a spinal board suffering from an arm injury.

A second also suffered a serious arm injury and third boy complained of neck and back pain.

One girl suffered a hand injury and a second was suffering from the effects of shock, the spokesman added.

Three women, the driver and two passengers, suffered minor injuries.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "The eight occupants were incredibly lucky not to have been more seriously injured in the crash considering the damage suffered to the vehicle and the fact that the crash happened near to a steep embankment."

'Lengthy tailbacks'

The vehicle was one of 100 donated annually by the Variety Club of Great Britain to schools and community groups across England to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children, the charity said.

In a statement, Malcolm Brenner, chairman of the Variety Club Sunshine Coach committee said: "We are unsure of the details of the incident but our thoughts are with those involved in the accident and their families, we hope everyone is all right".

The injured have been taken to Worcester Royal Hospital.

Three fire crews were called to the scene as well the air ambulance which was not required, Hereford and Worcester Fire Service said.

The motorway was closed for about 15 minutes and lanes were opened intermittently while the vehicle and debris were removed.

It was fully open to traffic about 1300 BST.

Tailbacks reached more than five miles (9km), the Highways Agency said.