SCHOOL BUS CRASH REPORTS 2007

Horse is Put Down Following Accident With School Bus
January 29, 2007

A HORSE had to be put down and its rider taken to hospital after they were hit by a bus.

Helen Retallick, 37, was riding home on Rocky, a 14-yearold former racehorse, when the accident happened, and credits her horse for saving her life.

The pair were on the road between Rampton and Willingham when a Whippet bus packed with students from Cottenham Village College approached.

Ms Retallick said she considered the bus was travelling too fast and waved her hand up and down in the recognised signal for the driver to slow down.

But as the bus approached Rocky, who she described as a safe horse which was not frightened by traffic, turned to get away.

The bus hit the horse and rider, leaving Rocky with a sickening break to his leg.

A vet put him down at the scene.

Ms Retallick said: "I could see the bus from around 500 metres and I asked the driver to slow down with my hand.

"He put his brakes on, and the noise made Rocky turn to run, and the bus hit us on the right side.

"I smashed into the windscreen, and Rocky took out the lights and bumper, but I think he saved my life because I kept hold of his reins and he pulled me away from the bus into a field.

"I got up and Rocky came to me, but his leg had been completely broken."

Ms Retallick, an IT officer, of Ballandfield, Willingham, was also hurt and was treated at Hinchingbrooke Hospital for injuries to her arm - believed to be a fractured elbow.

But her main concern was for Rocky, and she urged drivers to take more care on the roads to avoid spooking horses when they pass them.

She said: "Rocky was such a gentleman.

"He was the most beautiful horse I've ever seen. He was a calm horse who did not spook easily."

The accident happened on Wednesday at around 3.20pm.

Cottenham Village College, which confirmed it was a school bus involved, said none of its students had been injured.

Peter Lee, a director at Go Whippet, said: "This was a very unfortunate incident, and the driver was very upset I can assure you, he was traumatised by the whole event.

"The police interviewed the driver at the scene and other witnesses and were happy with the outcome of those questions and we have been told it is not going any further."

Mr Lee said the driver was not facing any disciplinary action from the company.

Police said an investigation was under way.

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