Fact Check: "Over a dozen students injured as bus crashes into river!"
What We Know
On Thursday, a double-decker bus carrying students from Barton Peveril Sixth Form College crashed into a river in Eastleigh, Hampshire. The incident occurred around 10:00 BST when the bus swerved through oncoming traffic and plowed through railings before landing in the river. According to reports, the driver, a 69-year-old man, and a 16-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized. Additionally, three other students suffered serious injuries, while 15 others experienced minor injuries, with three requiring hospital treatment (BBC, BBC).
Witness accounts suggest that the driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision, with one witness stating that the driver reported brake failure and a jammed accelerator (BBC). The police have confirmed that they are in the early stages of investigating the crash and have urged witnesses to come forward with any relevant information (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that "over a dozen students were injured" is supported by the data provided in the reports. Specifically, the police confirmed that 19 individuals were injured in total: 4 with serious injuries and 15 with minor injuries (BBC, BBC). However, it is important to note that while the phrase "over a dozen" typically implies at least 13, the precise number of injured students is 19, which fits the claim but does not provide the full context of the severity of injuries.
The sources of this information are credible, primarily coming from the BBC, a well-established news organization known for its journalistic standards. The reports include direct quotes from witnesses and police officials, adding to their reliability (BBC, BBC). However, as with any breaking news, there may be a degree of initial uncertainty regarding the exact numbers and details, as investigations are still ongoing.
Conclusion
The claim that "over a dozen students were injured as bus crashes into river" is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the fact that a significant number of students were injured (19 in total), it lacks specificity regarding the nature of the injuries and the ongoing investigation into the incident. The sources are credible, but the evolving nature of the situation means that further details may emerge as the investigation continues.