Tadcaster Grammar School reopens after girl dies in crash

Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Hague – known as Ellie – from Sherburn in Elmet, a sixth form student at Tadcaster Grammar School, died in the two-vehicle collision in Tadcaster on Monday (December 1).

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A spokesperson for Tadcaster Grammar School said on social media on Tuesday night: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred yesterday which involved the tragic loss of one of our students.

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy. We are totally committed to providing every member of our school community with unwavering support and empathy as we come together as one.

“Appropriate support will be available on site tomorrow, with school open to all students and staff.”

North Yorkshire Police say Ellie’s family are being supported by specially trained police officers.

Ellie was a passenger in a white Mercedes Sprinter minibus that was in a crash with a light-coloured Hyundai i10 car on Toulston Lane – at the junction with Rudgate, near her school – at around 12.28pm on Monday.

The minibus was heading towards Sherburn and the car entered Toulston Lane from Rudgate.

The minibus was carrying nine passengers aged 16 to 18 – both from Tadcaster Grammar School and Sherburn High School who have a shared sixth form.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Ellie tragically died at the scene, police said.

Another teenage girl was taken to hospital by ambulance with serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The other passengers, and the man driving the minibus, have received treatment at hospital for minor injuries.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said that the driver of the Hyundai, a 40-year-old woman from Leeds, had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Following questioning, she has been released on conditional bail, the spokesperson added.

Toulston Lane has now reopened after being closed overnight and during Tuesday.

The police spokesperson added: “We are continuing to appeal for any witnesses or motorists with relevant dashcam footage to come forward as soon as possible.

“If you can help, please email the Major Collision Investigation Team at MCIT@northyorkshire.police.uk or call them on 101.”

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by making an online report.

Please quote reference number 12250226227 when providing details.