A coach carrying 34 children from a British school has crashed in Belgium, killing one driver and injuring at least six passengers on board.
James ‘Geordie’ Chance, from Northern Ireland, died when the vehicle crashed into the pillar of a motorway bridge. The accident happened on the A18 (E40) at Middelkerke, West Flanders at around 0945hrs local time on Sunday, June 28.
One 13-year-old boy reportedly suffered a serious head injury and is in intensive care, while another, aged 12, is being treated for leg injuries at a hospital in Bruges. Two teachers and another of the drivers were also taken to hospital, with one of the teachers suffering a broken collarbone.
The coach was carrying a group of 11 to 13 year olds from Brentwood School in Essex, south-east England. Both drivers are thought to be from Northern Ireland, which is where the coach operator is based.
A spokesman for Lisburn-based Richmond Coaches, the coach operator, said: “Richmond Coaches confirms that one of its drivers sadly lost his life in yesterday’s crash in Belgium. The coach was carrying a party of school children and teachers from Brentwood School in Essex.
“The two drivers in their mid-50s were James Chance and Stephen Cardwell. Mr. Cardwell remains in hospital with his condition described as stable. Richmond Coaches was devastated to hear of the death of our second driver, Mr. Chance who was sitting in the courier seat at the time of the crash.
“Our thoughts are with all the families that have been affected by this tragic accident. Transport has been organised for those passengers that wish to return to the UK.”
Mr. Chance, originally from Newcastle, was affectionately known as ‘Geordie’ by friends and colleagues. Brendan McKenna, Director of Richmond Coaches described him as a loyal, hard-working man and regarded him as an extension of his close-knit family who will be sorely missed.
