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20/02/2012
Teacher Dies In French School Trip Bus Crash
A teacher has been killed and more than 20 people were injured after a coach carrying a Worcestershire school party back from a skiing trip crashed near Chalons-en-Champagne in northern France.
Peter Rippington, 59, a teacher at Alvechurch School, was fatally injured when the bus went down an embankment on the A26 motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning. Ten others remain in hospital.
According reports the driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs.
Police are investigating whether he fell asleep at the wheel.
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said that "we will continue to assist both those who were on the coach and their families and friends at this difficult time."
"Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with everyone involved in or affected by the tragic coach crash in Northern France earlier today. The French authorities are investigating the accident and we are working closely with them.
"Our Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Ricketts, has seen many of the affected passengers this afternoon and has assured them that we are doing all we can to help them recover and get home. The Deputy Ambassador will be accompanying some British Nationals on their journey home today.
"The FCO has been operating a reception centre in France and a UK helpline all day and we will continue to assist both those who were on the coach and their families and friends at this difficult time. I would like to thank the French emergency services for all they have done."
People in the UK who are worried about relatives and friends should call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Helpline on +44 (0) 207 008 1500.
(GK)
Peter Rippington, 59, a teacher at Alvechurch School, was fatally injured when the bus went down an embankment on the A26 motorway in the early hours of Sunday morning. Ten others remain in hospital.
According reports the driver tested negative for alcohol and drugs.
Police are investigating whether he fell asleep at the wheel.
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said that "we will continue to assist both those who were on the coach and their families and friends at this difficult time."
"Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with everyone involved in or affected by the tragic coach crash in Northern France earlier today. The French authorities are investigating the accident and we are working closely with them.
"Our Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Ricketts, has seen many of the affected passengers this afternoon and has assured them that we are doing all we can to help them recover and get home. The Deputy Ambassador will be accompanying some British Nationals on their journey home today.
"The FCO has been operating a reception centre in France and a UK helpline all day and we will continue to assist both those who were on the coach and their families and friends at this difficult time. I would like to thank the French emergency services for all they have done."
People in the UK who are worried about relatives and friends should call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Helpline on +44 (0) 207 008 1500.
(GK)
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