THE driver of a coach which crashed while carrying school children and staff from Alvechurch, killing a teacher and seriously injuring others, is set to face trial tomorrow (Wednesday, March 25) on charges including manslaughter.

Derek Thompson, 49, was driving the coach carrying children and teachers from Alvechurch Middle School as well as several ski-instructors on their return from a skiing trip to the Alps.

The coach left the road near Chalons-en-Champagne, 90 miles east of Paris on 19 February 2012.

Popular teacher Peter Rippington was killed in the crash and many passengers including children and ski instructors were seriously injured in the incident.

Specialist international personal injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, representing 25 passengers injured in the incident, say the trial in Chalons en Champagne is an important step forward for those affected.

Clive Garner, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “For those who have been injured in this terrible incident the trial is a very important step forward.

"Our clients want to know exactly what caused this catastrophe more than three years ago and the detailed examination of the incident in a court of law in France should bring our clients’ answers to some of their questions and bring their fight for justice nearer to a conclusion.

"Derek Thompson, the coach driver is facing very serious criminal charges which carry a maximum sentence of up to 3 years imprisonment, along with a fine of up to 45,000 €, and we expect his conduct to be thoroughly investigated at trial."

Steve Ratheram, 53, suffered devastating injuries in the coach crash and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment for his injuries, including spinal fractures, a fractured sternum and broken ribs.

The former ski instructor said: “We all just want to know what happened to cause the crash as it’s been more than three years since it happened.

“We are relieved that the French criminal proceedings are now moving forward as we hope they will shed more light on the events which caused our nightmare to begin. Since the crash I’ve been back to hospital on countless occasions for further treatment and have had to get used to living with my injuries on a daily basis."

He added: “We all want to move on from the crash and move forward with our lives so I am pleased that the criminal trial is now happening.”