Coach carrying German school pupils crashes on A28

A coach carrying German schoolchildren crashed off the A28 motorway near Wezep in Gelderland in the early hours of Monday, closing the road in both directions. At least eight people were taken to hospital, some seriously injured, according to reports.

The coach, with more than 50 people on board, came off the road after colliding with a van at around 4.15am, according to police and the regional safety authority. Most of those aboard were teenage pupils.

The van was torn in two by the impact, and its driver was among those taken to hospital. Others were treated for minor injuries at the scene. Three trauma helicopters were sent to the crash.

The Austrian-registered coach overturned on and landed on its side. The cause is not yet known, and police forensic investigators are examining the site.

The A28 is shut in both directions between ’t Harde and Wezep until the evening rush hour, Rijkswaterstaat said. Traffic heading towards Zwolle is being diverted via the A1 and A50 at Hoevelaken, and towards Amersfoort via the A50 and A1 at Hattemerbroek.

Drivers face delays throughout the day, expected to last past rush hour, according to broadcaster NOS.