A COACH carrying 29 schoolchildren crashed into a ditch earlier this morning, closing a key road.

The coach was carrying children from the Bristol area, but police confirmed that none of them were injured after the coach left the southbound carriageway and crashed into a ditch this morning (September 25).

However four teachers were also on board, and one suffered a minor leg injury which is being treated at the scene. The driver also had minor injuries.

The southbound carriageway of the A36 between the Ower roundabout and junction 2 of the M27 will be closed “for a number of hours” following the crash.

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Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said the school is aware of the incident and all parents have been contacted.

It added: “Emergency services are in attendance to facilitate the recovery of the vehicle. It is anticipated that the southbound carriageway will be closed for a number of hours this morning while this work takes place.

“We would ask motorists to avoid the area if possible and thank everyone for their patience while we deal with the vehicle recovery and continue our enquiries.”

National Highways said the road is expected to return to normal between 3.45pm and 4pm later today.