Coach Crash in Surrey
The road remains closed and diversions are in place. - Google Maps .

A coach crash near the Hindhead tunnel in Surrey has killed three people and left several others seriously injured.

The 51-seat coach, which was originally from the Merseyside area, was returning north when it came off the carriageway of the A3 just before midnight on the evening of 10 September.

The vehicle rammed a tree on the embankment before overturning. All three of those who lost their lives were declared dead at the scene.

One passenger was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with what have been described as life-changing injuries. Several other people have been admitted to various nearby hospitals, including the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford and King's College Hospital in London.

The road remains closed after the accident although it appears no other vehicles were involved. Officials from Surrey police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Services and South East Coast Ambulance Service are working with Merseyside Police to identify the victims and notify loved ones.

The road is likely to remain closed for several hours and motorists have been told to take diversions.

"This has been declared a major incident and we are working with our colleagues from the other emergency services and other partner agencies to provide a coordinated response in line with agreed protocols" said Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Kirkby.

"Our thoughts remain with the relatives of the dead and the injured at this time and we are working very hard to notify their next of kin."

It is thought that the coach was returning from the Isle of Wight, which hosted the Bestival music festival at the weekend.

London