AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a busload of school pupils had a “miracle” escape when their double-decker ploughed into a road bridge.More than 30 school-bound teenagers were on the bus which smashed into the bridge in Kirby Cross, near Frinton, at about 8.

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a busload of school pupils had a “miracle” escape when their double-decker ploughed into a road bridge.

More than 30 school-bound teenagers were on the bus which smashed into the bridge in Kirby Cross, near Frinton, at about 8.30am yesterday.

The front of the top deck was ripped open and some pupils on board, from Tendring Technology College, received cuts.

No one was seriously hurt but many suffered shock.

An inquiry was immediately launched by the school and education chiefs to establish why the accident occurred on a route used for so many years.

Sue Stevens, who lives next to the bridge, said about three vehicles crashed into it every year.

She added: “This was the second bus that has had its top removed - the first was last year and this was exactly the same way - buses go through here with only millimetres to spare.

“We always said one day there would be one with kids on - if there had been somebody on the top at the front they would not be here today. It is the most dangerous and notorious bridge around.

“It was a miracle that they were not at the front.”

College principal Michael Watson said they were all thankful the students were unhurt.

He added: “I was pleased that we had a member of staff nearby who had the presence of mind to get the students off the bus and on to the pavement.

“There were about a dozen pupils who were really quite shocked and throughout the course of the day we provided support for them and some went home.”

Last night Supreme Coaches, which is contracted to Essex County Council, apologised.

Director Roy Claydon said: “We are extremely sorry that it happened but are glad to know that, as far as we are aware, none of the children was seriously hurt.

“It is not a common incident, but once is too many times to be truthful and we need to establish what happened and the circumstances that led up to it.”

Essex County Council said an investigation had been launched to pinpoint the cause of the crash.