The coach crashed into a tree this morning (Picture: Essex Live/BPM Media)

Four schoolgirls were rushed to hospital this morning after their school bus swerved off the road and hit a tree.

The youngsters were on their way to Colchester County High School for Girls when the crash happened just a mile from the school at around 9am.

The bus driver and four girls were taken to hospital, where he is said to be recovering from ‘serious injuries’.

However, none of the schoolgirls injuries are said to be serious.

The girls – believed to be in their teens – were wrapped in foil blankets before being taken to school in a different minibus.

Four students from Colchester County High School for Girls were rushed to hospital (Picture: Colchester County High School for Girls)

The incident happened at a busy roundabout just off the A12 in Stanway and local roads were closed during the rush-hour.

Heavy-duty recovery vehicles arrived at the scene to remove the coach, and shipping container-style pods were set up in the road to support the emergency services as they work.

Witnesses said the bus hit another vehicle before crashing into the tree.

Nigel Butfield told the Essex County Standard: ‘It looked like the coach collided with another vehicle and hit the roundabout and a tree.

‘All the kids were out, and a few were laying down. There was a helicopter on scene, as well as multiple ambulances and an ambulance command unit.

‘The windscreen was completely caved in.’

Matt Simmo also drove past the shocking scene.

He said: ‘There was a coach carrying loads of school kids crashed on Spring Lane roundabout.

‘It looked like the coach had hit a tree in the middle of the roundabout.

‘All the emergency services were there before I drove past – there was a helicopter as well in the air.

‘There were loads of school kids standing on the roundabout.’

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A school spokeswoman said: ‘There was a road accident this morning involving a coach transporting students to Colchester County High School for Girls.

‘Paramedics are in attendance at CCHSG checking all students.

‘All parents of those students involved have been informed by the school. We would like to thank parents and staff for their calm and supportive response.’

Essex Police said: ‘We were called around 8.50am this morning, following reports of a two-vehicle collision including a coach carrying children on their way to school.

‘The driver of the coach has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

‘Some of the children involved have been taken to hospital with none of their injuries being treated as life-threatening or life-changing.

They added: ‘Emergency services remain at the scene. The road remains closed and there is a high amount of traffic currently on the A12.

‘We ask that road users please find alternative routes and avoid the areas.’

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The bus crashed into a tree and the driver and four girls from the high school were injured.