An Oxford Bus Company coach has crashed on the northbound M40, at the J7 sliproad near Thame. The accident, in thick fog at 0240hrs this morning (Friday 30 December), injured 17 people, after the coach came to rest on its side.
The coach was working a Airline service from Heathrow to Oxford.
It is near the same location when 17 people were taken to hospital after an Oxford Tube coach crashed six years ago.
South Central Ambulance Service said: "The male coach driver and 16 adult passengers (a mixture of male and female) sustained a variety of injuries, such as cuts, bruises and broken bones.” All 17 were taken to hospital.
Phil Southall, MD of Oxford Bus Company says: “We are thankful that there were no serious injuries. We have been advised that injuries incurred were a spinal injury, a broken collarbone, minor head injuries and cuts and bruises.
“Our thoughts are with those who have been injured, particularly at this time of year.
“Company representatives have spoken with all those involved and are continuing to assist the emergency services with their investigations.
“We are doing everything we can to assist those involved in this unfortunate incident, and have been working closely with the emergency services at the scene in what has been a very challenging environment.
“The driver of the coach is 54 years old, very experienced, and has worked for the company for 20 years. He has been working overnight shifts for a number of years.
“A full investigation has been started and it is too early at this stage to speculate on the cause of the incident.”
