Packed school bus is ripped apart by tractor in terrifying crash that sliced open the double-decker, with several children rushed to hospital

Thirteen people, including children, have been rushed to hospital after a packed school bus was torn apart by a tractor in a terrifying crash.

The farm vehicle collided with the double-decker bus in the village of Meopham, in Kent, on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident, which took place at around 3.25pm, saw heavy damage to the bus with photos shared on social media showing the top floor of the vehicle had been sliced open.

Photos also show a tractor which is believed to have been involved in the crash nearby with its scoop raised in the air.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) says one person was airlifeted to Kings College Hospital following the crash, while 12 others were taken to local hospitals and four were discharged at the scene.

A tractor with its scoop raised, which is believed to have been involved in the collision, was seen close to the site of the crash

Kent Police has confirmed several people who were on the bus, including children, were among those injured.

The crash took place on the A227 South Street near Culverstone Green shortly after the end of the school day.

Multiple emergency services including police, firefighters, paramedics and the air ambulance were called after reports of several injuries.

In a statement Kent Police said: ‘Dashcam and phone footage is sought by officers investigating a serious collision involving a bus and a tractor near Meopham.

‘Police attended the scene, which was close to the junction for Chapman’s Hill, along with paramedics, an air ambulance and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

‘The incident is being investigated by Kent Police’s Serious Collision Unit (SCIU) and officers are appealing to any witnesses to contact them.

‘This includes those who may have footage on their phones and motorists with potential evidence on dashcams.’

SEACAMB confirmed earlier in the day that it had sent ‘multiple resources’ to the scene of the crash.

Multiple emergency services were called to the scene in the Meopham, Kent, on Wednesday afternoon

In an update on its X account later this evening, it said: ‘Following a serious collision between a bus and tractor near Meopham at approx 3.30pm today (22/05). 

‘We treated and conveyed 12 patients to local hospitals. One patient was airlifted to Kings College Hospital and four other casualties were discharged at the scene.’

MailOnline has contacted Kent Police for further information.

Anyone who may be able to assist the investigation should call SCIU on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk quoting reference EX/DGC/051/24.