Nine Southend teenagers have suffered minor injuries after a 90-year-old man lost control of his car and crashed head-on into a double-decker bus in Germany's Black Forest region.
Year 8 students from Southend High School for Girls were visiting Germany when the incident happened and no one is believed to be seriously injured.
Police told the DPA news agency that the car hit the bus, which was carrying 73 students between the ages of 13 and 15, near the south-western town of Voehrenbach yesterday morning.
The driver of the car - reportedly an Audi - and one of the bus drivers suffered serious injuries.
(credit youtube / Schwarzwalder Bote)
A message on the school's website reads: "There has been a coach accident - we would like to reassure you that students are fine, a few are being checked over, but there are no broken bones.
"The emergency services have been fantastic and the paramedics have checked over girls that have said they have had a bump or are getting any aches.
"The children are all safe and sound. If you have any further concerns, please email toverall@shsg.org"
The incident, which occurred at about 9.15am, is under investigation.
According to Schwarzwaelder Bote, the coach is usually based in London.
Police say it is not yet clear what caused the man to veer into oncoming traffic.
Voehrenbach firefighters said the driver of the car was unconscious and trapped in his vehicle and had to be freed with machinery.
He was then flown to a hospital aboard a helicopter.
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