Dramatic Bus Crash in Eastleigh: Students Plunge into River Itchen on Bishopstoke Road

A shocking bus crash unfolded this morning in Eastleigh, Hampshire, when a double-decker school bus carrying students from Barton Peveril Sixth Form College veered off Bishopstoke Road and ended up in the River Itchen. This incident has shaken the local community and sparked a major emergency operation.

📍 What Happened — At a Glance

• The crash occurred on Thursday, June 26, just after 10 a.m.

• A Bluestar double-decker bus, route 607 to Barton Peveril, left the road on Bishopstoke Road.

• The vehicle broke through railings, knocked down a traffic light and an electricity pole, and came to a stop upright in the River Itchen.

• There were 20 people onboard: 19 sixth-form students and the driver.

🚨 Emergency Response and Casualties

• Emergency crews—including five ambulances, two air ambulances, police, fire crews, K‑9 units, and water rescue teams—rushed to the scene.

• All passengers were evacuated, with members of the public and bystander rescuers playing a critical role before first responders arrived.

• Five people were hospitalized, including the driver and four students—two of whom are in serious but non-life-threatening condition.

• Another 14 others were treated on-site for minor injuries, such as cuts, bruises, and shock.

• The road remained closed for up to 12 hours to allow for investigation and recovery operations, with parents directed to a makeshift incident center at The Hub sports facility.

🚘 Driver’s Account & Witness Reactions

• Early indications suggest mechanical failure as the cause. The driver reportedly claimed the brakes failed and the accelerator jammed, and tried to steer away from traffic.

• A concerned resident, working from home nearby, heard screeching and immediately rushed to help. She says she spoke to the driver on scene.

• Students described the incident as instantaneous—one mentioned being strapped in with a monitor and blanket after the impact. Most were shocked and shaken.

• Witnesses praised local hero bystanders who assisted in freeing students before emergency crews arrived.

🏫 Impact on Barton Peveril Sixth Form College

• Barton Peveril, hosting around 4,900 students, was quick to react. College staff coordinated with the police to ensure student safety and parent communication.

• An incident centre was set up so families could stay informed and receive support.

• The college is providing counselling for affected students through its pastoral and wellbeing services.

🚧 Bishopstoke Road: Scene of the Incident

The crash took place on Bishopstoke Road, a busy commuter route in Eastleigh. Vehicle recovery involved heavy cranes and specialist recovery equipment. Traffic was diverted through neighboring roads while engineers worked to restore the damaged barriers, lighting, and electrical infrastructure.

🙏 Community Response and Aftercare

• Hampshire Constabulary and South Central Ambulance Service both thanked the public for their assistance.

• Emergency services also recommended that locals avoid the area, especially the railway level crossings, during the investigation and cleanup.

• The incident centre at The Hub served as a crucial resource, offering emotional support and medical updates to worried families.

• Bluestar, the bus operator, has launched an internal investigation alongside the police inquiry to determine the root cause of the failure.

⚠️ What Happens Next?

• A full mechanical examination of the bus is underway.

• Hampshire Police intend to compile a full crash report, with traffic engineering teams reviewing the safety features of Bishopstoke Road.

• Bluestar aims to collaborate fully with investigators and review maintenance records.

• The college will support students and staff in the days following the incident, providing counseling and trauma-informed support.

• The road is expected to reopen once recovery is complete, the bus removed, and safety checks passed.

🌟 Summary & Timelines

🏫 Local Context

Eastleigh, a borough in Hampshire, is known for its busy roads and community-centered environment. Bishopstoke Road, in particular, is a lifeline for school buses like those serving Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, linking rural and residential zones to educational facilities and city access.