Brake failure theory in bus crash

The double-decker was ferrying pupils from Hawarden High

An investigation has begun into the cause of a bus crash carrying schoolchildren in Flintshire.

Seventeen Hawarden High School pupils suffered minor injuries during the incident in Ash Lane, half a mile from the centre of Hawarden village.

North Wales Police and the Vehicle Inspectorate are investigating brake failure as a possible cause.

Flintshire County Council leader Alex Aldridge said : "Our authority will work very closely with Arriva [the bus company] and the police to conduct an investigation."

Mr Aldridge said the council wanted to reassure parents.

"We've got a very good record in terms of transporting our children to and from school," he added.

Panic

A number of children were taken to the Countess of Chester hospital but none were seriously hurt after Thursday evening's accident.

Initial reports said the collision happened when a double-deck bus believed to be carrying pupils from Hawarden High School, collided with the rear of a single-deck bus carrying pupils from the same school.

One eyewitness said the single-decker stopped to let some children off when it appeared that the double-decker went into the back of it.

Malcolm Powell, head of Hawarden High, was in discussions with North Wales Police about the accident.

Mancot county councillor Glenys Diskin, one of the first eyewitnesses on the scene, said: "There were parents rushing up to see if their children were alright, there was panic everywhere."