UPDATED 11:19*
THREE people travelling home from this weekend’s Bestival on the Isle of Wight have been killed in an horrific mainland coach crash.
The vehicle was travelling northbound on the A3 near Hindhead, Surrey, at 11.50pm yesterday (Monday) when it left the road between the Hindhead Tunnel and the exit for Thursley.
It overturned after colliding with a tree on an embankment.
Coach company Merseypride Travel has offered its "deepest condolences to the bereaved."
The firm said the 51-seat coach was on its way back from Bestival on the Isle of Wight to Merseyside.
Surrey Police said three people were declared dead at the scene and a fourth passenger was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with life-changing injuries.
Other passengers, some of whom have serious injuries, have also been taken to hospitals in the region.
A casualty bureau hotline has been set up according to Surrey Police. Anyone who has concerns about a coach passenger travelling home from Bestival can contact 0800 056 0154.
Police have confirmed that the coach driver was among those to have died in the crash.
A spokeswoman said they were unable to confirm how many people were on board at this stage.
*Bestival organisers said this morning: "This is devastating news - our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident. We are currently liaising with Surrey Police to establish the facts"