‘Devastated’ family tribute to dad killed in school bus crash
TRIBUTES have been paid to a 31-year-old father-of-two who was killed when his car crashed into a school bus in Pembrokeshire.
Chris John died after the collision on the A478 near the village of Llandissilio on Monday morning.
Mr John, who lived in nearby Clunderwen, was driving his car at around 8.30am when it was involved in the collision with the school bus as it headed north towards Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych. Seventeen children sustained injuries as a result of the crash and received medical treatment, but none were said to be seriously hurt.
In a statement, Mr John’s family said: “Our whole family has been left devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Chris, a beloved father, husband, son and brother.
“Chris adored and was adored by everyone whose lives he touched, especially his two young daughters. While family was always his first passion, we are immensely proud of his sporting success, representing his country at short Matt Bowls alongside his father and younger brother.
“Our family have been moved by the support of his and our many friends, both in Llanboidy where
he grew up and his home of Clunderwen. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
Meanwhile, pupils on the school bus are being offered counselling.
Those who have been affected by the fatal incident – physically or otherwise – are now being offered counselling and specialist support.
Rhonwen Morris, headteacher at Ysgol y Preseli, was keen to thank those who helped the school and its pupils to deal with such a tragic incident.
“Pupils who have been affected by the incident are being supported by the school and a specialist support team from Pembrokeshire council,” said Mrs Morris. “Over the coming days, school staff, in collaboration with the counselling and educational psychology service, will support pupils.
“Pembrokeshire council has also set up a telephone number for concerned parents and guardians, 01437 775400. As a school, we would like to thank the emergency services for their support, and also Llandissilio Caravan Park for providing a safe space for pupils during the morning. Pupils remained calm throughout and co-operated with the emergency services and school staff at the scene.”
Huw George, a Pembrokeshire county councillor local to the area where the crash happened, said the community remained in a state of shock after such a tragic event.
“The family of the man who lost his life yesterday will have all the support possible from the community – we have a small and strong community here,” said Mr George.
He added it was important that the pupils who witnessed the crash were offered all the support they might need.
“I am worried about the young people on the bus – they will have to live with what happened and that’s why they are being offered support by the school,” he said. “I spoke with the head teacher yesterday and parents are being made aware of the signs to look out for as this is going to be an ongoing thing for them.”