Praise for rescuers who smashed their way onto bus to pull children from the overturned vehicle in Leverington

Grateful parents have taken to social media this evening to thank a group of good Samaritans who helped rescue children from an overturned bus.

The incident happened at around 5.14pm when police were called to Garden Lane at the junction with Leverington Common to reports that a school bus had overturned into a water-filled ditch.

Six children were travelling on the bus and posts to Facebook asked who the members of the public were who had stopped to help rescue them.

Cheryl Harty said she helped with first aid. Some of the good Samaritans who did the rescuing were named as Laurence Manning, Katieleigh Julian, and Joseph Pugh.

Katieleigh added: “We did the best we could for everyone on that bus, we made sure we had all the children out and safe, me, Laurence and Joseph smashed the window and climbed in passing the children out.

“Once they were out we made sure they were all ok. We checked the bus several times to make sure no children were left behind. Then Laurence sat with the bus driver until she was able to be removed from the bus.”

One of the children’s mums commented on Facebook: “I am also very grateful to them. Our daughter was on it and a man smashed the window to get her out. So glad everyone is ok, could have been so much worse. Thank you to those who helped.”

A police spokesperson said: “The driver of the bus is believed to have minor injuries and will be taken to hospital as a precaution.”

Other comments on news of the rescue and everyone’s lucky escape from serious injury included: “So pleased everyone is OK – thank goodness.”

The mum of one of the girls on the bus added: “Thank you to you all! What great people you are. Thank you so much.”

And another comment read: “Well done all involved and glad everyone is okay.”