Colchester Spring Lane school coach crash driver sentenced

Obi Okpechi was left seriously injured after he collided with a car before crashing into a tree on Spring Lane roundabout in Colchester.

The 62-year-old had failed to slow down the Mercedes Tourismo coach he was driving upon approach to the roundabout after exiting the A12 on October 10 last year.

Five pupils from Colchester County High School for Girls were taken to hospital with minor injuries amid a huge emergency response at about 8.50am.

Horror crash - emergency crews work to free the coach after it was crashed into a tree (Image: Lewis Adams, Newsquest)

Emergency - schoolchildren took refuge on the Spring Lane roundabout after evacuating the coach (Image: Newsquest)

Two air ambulances and fire crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe and Chelmsford all joined police and paramedics at the scene.

Okpechi was taken to Colchester Hospital with chest and foot injuries while 40 children were taken back to the school by minibus.

The bus driver, from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, was charged with driving without due care and attention following the horror crash.

He admitted the offence when he appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Shocking - the coach uprooted the tree during the crash (Image: Lewis Adams, Newsquest)

Incident - police, fire and ambulance crews were all called to the scene in Colchester (Image: Lewis Adams, Newsquest)

Okpechi was able to keep his driving licence after magistrates handed him nine points for the offence.

The court heard he was at fault for the incident as he “failed to slow down for the roundabout”.

At the scene off Cymbeline Way #Colchester where a coach carrying schoolchildren has crashed into a tree on the roundabout. Hoping all are ok pic.twitter.com/W3M7udX8N7

— Lewis (@lewis_adams) October 10, 2022

Colchester County High School for Girls said its pupils onboard were assessed by paramedics once they were safely back at school.

Parents and staff were thanked for their “calm and supportive response” as the incident unfolded.

Rescue operation - Obi Okpechi suffered serious injuries in the crash (Image: Lewis Adams, Newsquest)

Cordon - the road remained shut for hours (Image: Lewis Adams, Newsquest)

Eyewitnesses told the Gazette they felt sick and were left in tears after witnessing the aftermath of the crash.

“It was an awful sight. I really hope all the children and the driver are OK," said Stacey Rachel.

“It made me cry just driving past – God knows how they all feel."

Stevie Close added: “It looked so bad, there were kids laying down on the roundabout with tin foil sheets on them.

“It looked scary. I have never seen so many emergency services in one place.”

Okpechi was ordered to pay £278 in a fine, costs and surcharge.