CHILDREN and teachers injured in a coach crash in France which killed a popular teacher have taken a major step forward in their battle for justice after the tour operator that organised the trip, Interschool Travel Limited (trading as Interski), accepted liability for the incident, paving the way for fair settlements to be agreed.

A coach carrying children and teachers from Alvechurch Middle School, as well as local ski instructors, on their return from a skiing trip, crashed near Chalons-en-Champagne, 90 miles east of Paris on February 19 2012.

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

Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing passengers injured in the incident, said the move was a victory for the Alvechurch schoolchildren injured but added their disappointment that no-one as yet has accepted liability in respect of the claims of the ski instructors who were also injured in the crash.

Cheryl Palmer-Hughes, from Irwin Mitchell, said: “We are very pleased that Interski has finally accepted responsibility for this incident, even though it is very disappointing that they have only done so after more than three years and following lengthy legal proceedings against them.

“Many of our clients have been left with serious and life-changing injuries as a result of the coach crash back in 2012. We can now focus on continuing to ensure that the victims get the compensation and support they need and deserve to help them overcome their injuries.

"This is a major step forward and it is a huge relief to the families who we represent.

“However, we are also disappointed that no admission of liability has been made in respect of the claims made on behalf of the ski instructors who were also travelling on the coach and were left seriously injured after the crash."