Minibus horror (From Free Press Series)

Minibus horror

POLICE OFFICERS from Torfaen rushed to the scene of the horrific crash in which a 12-year-old girl died.

Jasmine Allen was on route to Newbridge High School when the minibus she was travelling in collided with a blue Skoda and flipped over, at around 8.20am on Monday morning.

After the crash, the minibus driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

He has now been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Yesterday, a second man was arrested. He is not thought to have been travelling in either of the vehicles involved.

Jasmine's family have described her as the "love of our life."

Her parents said in a statement that Jasmine, "was taken from us tragically, and for this we can see no reason."

"We hope the great love we have for her may help to mask a small part of the horrific pain of her loss - pain to us, her parents, her brother Karl and sister Paige and all the family."

Ten children were on board the A1 Minibus Hire vehicle when it crashed. One girl has been moved to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with a head injury, and one boy remains in Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny with a fractured pelvis.

The female driver of the car has been released from hospital after treatment for minor injuries.

The accident happened near Jasmine's home in Hafodyrynys. Floral tributes have been left at the scene, including one from her brother Karl.

An investigation into the causes of the crash are continuing.

Any witnesses to the incident are urged to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or the Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 643091.