Bradfield road remains closed/river pollution fears after coach collision

Eight casualties from a Tilehurst infant’s school were taken to hospital, following a two-coach collision at Bradfield yesterday (Thursday), where an air ambulance landed, and where a road closure, on Ashampstead Road, remains in place today (Friday) and over the weekend/into next week.
West Berkshire Council has confirmed today that Ashampstead Road will be resurfaced on Monday (June 9), following the collision and the road closure will therefore remain in place over the weekend.
The re-opening date of the road, and following Monday's (June 9) planned roadworks is yet to be confirmed by the council.
Drivers are strongly advised to seek alternative routes during the road closure.
Villagers have reported spotting measures taken by authorities (pictured above) to combat possible pollution of the nearby River Pang, due to the spillage of approximately eight litres of engine oil at the scene of the collision. The spillage was reportedly also affecting drains, with a statement awaited from the Environment Agency (EA) on this (to follow).
Thames Valley Police issued a statement yesterday (Thursday) appealing for witnesses, after the 10am collision in Ashampstead Road, which involved two coaches, with schoolchildren on board from Westwood Farm Infant School, Tilehurst, and during a journey on a school trip, to visit Rushall Farm, Bradfield.
Five children and three adults were taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, as a precaution, with minor injuries.
The school was aware of the collision and had been in contact with the families, according to police.
Spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Services, Michelle Archer, said ambulance services called at 10.06am included the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance and a hazardous area response team and who assessed a total 71 people at the scene.
“There have been a number of casualties, but none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening,” said Ms Archer yesterday.
An initial total of seven casualties was later updated to eight by the ambulance service.
Ellie Gray, a spokeswoman for the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said two pumps were called at 10.33am from Dee Road Fire Station, Reading and Whitley Wood, Reading.
No-one was trapped.
Firefighters left the scene at 11.49am.
Anyone with information should contact Insp Daren Courtenay from roads policing, via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre, via the non emergency police telephone number, 101.