SCHOOLCHILDREN who saw the aftermath of a crash which killed a woman are being offered support.

A woman died and a man was critically injured after a crash with a coach on its way to pick up schoolchildren at Hanley Castle High School.

The crash closed the B4208 at Welland for several hours as emergency services attempted to help those involved.

Three ambulances and the air ambulance were called to the scene at around 3.30pm on Tuesday (November 26).

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "On arrival, crews found a woman and two men.

"The woman, a passenger in the car, was in critical condition."

The woman, in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics realised nothing could be done.

The driver of the car, a man in his 30s, was found to have life threatening injuries, when emergency services arrived, and he was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham for specialist care.

The coach involved was the UP10 Astons bus which was on its way to pick up students from Hanley Castle High School.

A spokesperson for Astons Coaches said: "We can confirm one of our coaches was involved in a collision on Tuesday at Danesmoor cross roads, Welland.

"The coach was empty and not in service at the time of the incident.

"Our thoughts are with those affected and their friends and family."

The driver of the coach was checked by paramedics but decided not to go to hospital.

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Five fire engines - two from Malvern, and one from Droitwich, Ledbury and Hereford were all called out to the incident and helped to get the two people out of the car.

Police officers have launched an appeal for anyone with information about the crash: "Officer would like to speak to anybody who has dash cam footage from around the time it happened.

"Please contact police constable Nick Warren by emailing nicholas.warren@westmercia.police.uk."

Students on their way home from the high school were caught up in the traffic.

The school have offered to support any students who have struggled in the aftermath.

A letter to parents, seen by the Worcester News, said: "We are aware that some students may have been personally affected or may be distressed at what they have experienced or witnessed.

"If you are worried this may be the case, please do get in touch so we can do our best to support them in school."