“Iced Roads, Fractured Journeys: School Coach and Bus Crash in Berkshire”

A treacherous morning on Britain’s icy roads turned frightening for commuters and schoolchildren alike, as freezing conditions contributed to a collision between a school coach and a bus in Berkshire — leaving nearly 18 people injured amid the head‑on shock of winter weather and travel disruption. The crash, involving school transport and heavy frost, highlights the real dangers of icy surfaces as regions brace for deeper snow and continued cold.

The incident occurred around 8:25 a.m. on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, on the A3290 slip road near the Sutton Seeds Roundabout in Earley, Reading. According to emergency responders, a school coach collided with a passenger bus on an icy exit slip road, with conditions described as “very icy” by paramedics and police.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) confirmed that nine children from the school coach, along with the coach driver, suffered minor injuries. In the bus involved, eight adults were also hurt. Most were treated at the scene and released, but one child and one adult were taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for further treatment, though injuries were not thought to be life‑threatening.

Fire crews from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service were also at the scene, responding initially to reports of a vehicle fire before assisting with the crash rescue and ensuring the area was made safe. Thames Valley Police, SCAS and fire services urged drivers to avoid the area due to disruption as emergency work continued.

Meteorologists warn that these crashes are occurring against the backdrop of a broad cold snap across the UK, with black ice hazards and freezing temperatures affecting routes nationwide — a situation expected to worsen with the approach of Storm Goretti, which could bring heavy snow and further hazards later in the week.

While none of the injuries from Wednesday’s collision appear to be life‑threatening, the crash serves as a stark reminder of the hazards that icy conditions pose on busy commuter routes, especially during rush hour. As winter weather persists, officials continue to urge drivers to exercise extreme caution — particularly on untreated slips and in sub‑zero temperatures — to prevent further incidents on frozen roads.

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Sources: SCAS and emergency services reports on the Earley coach‑bus collision; ITV and Yahoo News UK details of injuries and rescue response.