Seventeen people have been injured after a coach overturned at a northbound exit of the M40 near Thame in the early hours of this morning.
Fire crews from High Wycombe, Thame, Kidligton and Wheatley raced to the scene at the J7 (Milton Common) slip road with two officers at 2.28am.
These pictures show the Oxford Bus Company coach on its side with the front smashed up and authorities working to clear the scene.
The 16 injured passengers and bus driver were taken to John Radcliffe Hospital. Oxford Bus Company said no one was seriously hurt, but injuries included a broken collarbone, spinal injury, minor head injuries and cuts and bruises.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which had six ambulances on the scene, declared it a "major incident" due to the number of patients involved.
An ambulance spokesman said thick fog in the area at the time "presented challenges" to emergency services trying to get to the crash.
Repairs to barriers are continuing and the exit slip road of J7 will remain closed until later today with traffic being diverted to junctions 8 and 8A, Highways England confirmed.
Firefighters assisted Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, police, ambulance services and the Highways Agency in making the scene safe.
#M40 J7 N/B exit slip expected to remain closed until later today for emergency repairs following the overturned bus this morning. pic.twitter.com/7ORPUDKfAI
— Highways England (@HighwaysSEAST) December 30, 2016
After a single vehicle RTC at J7 of the M40, sliproad will remain closed four barrier repair. A329 is now open N/bnd. S/bnd will open soon.
— TVP Roads Policing (@tvprp) December 30, 2016
The M40 northbound sliproad at J7 Thame will be closed for several hours due to recovery after a single vehicle RTC. Please avoid #C2588
— TVP Roads Policing (@tvprp) December 30, 2016
#M40 J7 northbound exit sliproad closed for recovery of over-turned bus. Luckily only minor injuries. @tvprp, @OxonFireRescue on scene. pic.twitter.com/cR2pv2dvSC
— Highways England (@HighwaysSEAST) December 30, 2016
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