COMMUNITIES in Minehead and Wheddon Cross were reflecting on Friday (July 17) on the tragedy where a 10-year-old pupil died and many others were injured in a school coach crash exactly a year ago.

The coach was returning Minehead Middle School year 10 pupils and staff from an end of academic year outing to Exmoor Zoo when it came off the A396 Cutcombe Hill.

A multi-agency emergency response was triggered as a major incident was declared and Wheddon Cross village became the centre of the rescue operation while parents gathered at the school in Townsend Road to await news of their children.

A year later and parents and the wider community are no nearer understanding how the tragedy happened as an Avon and Somerset Police investigation drags on.

The police did not respond this week to a Free Press request for a comment on the slow progress of the investigation.

Middle school headteacher Laura Mackie said the school community was coming together on Friday to mark the anniversary with a series of age-appropriate assemblies.

Ms Mackie said: “The theme of these assemblies will be kindness and determination, qualities that have been consistently demonstrated by our students, staff, and wider community over the past year.

“Alongside these themes, the assemblies will provide opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and a sense of togetherness.

“There is no expectation that any child must actively participate in any of the activities if they do not wish to do so.

“We recognise every individual will experience this anniversary differently, and we will respect and support those needs.”

Ms Mackie said trusted friends and partners of the school would be available to support students and staff, including Mindful Mayhem, Minehead Eye, and the Revs Philip and Michelle Butcher, and the school day would close early at 12.30 pm.