Floral tributes placed in memory of 16-year-old girl who died in bus crash

Floral memorials have appeared at the site of a crash involving a minibus and a car, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl. Eleanor Hague, also known as Ellie, died when the minibus she was traveling in collided with a Hyundai i10 on Toulston Lane in Tadcaster around 12:30 GMT on Monday.

The accident occurred close to Tadcaster Grammar School, where Ellie was a student. On Wednesday, Pasquale Pranzo, whose restaurant Ellie had worked at, laid flowers at the scene and described her as "an extraordinary person with a kind and vibrant spirit she brought joy wherever she went."

Mr. Pranzo added that both he and his 14-year-old daughter, who also knew Ellie, were deeply affected by her passing. A separate note attached to another bouquet described Ellie, originally from Sherburn in Elmet, as a "bright star" and said, "The world feels dimmer without you. Words cannot capture our sorrow."

Another tribute read: "I will miss you forever. I love you so much."

The Bethany Lauren Dance Company in Sherburn in Elmet, where Ellie was known though not a member, also paid tribute. A spokesperson stated: "She was not only a talented dancer but a wonderful young person with her whole life ahead of her. Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this heartbreaking time."

Flowers were placed at the scene on Wednesday as students returned to school. Tadcaster Grammar School had been closed on Tuesday but reopened with plans for special assemblies to honor each year group. The school expressed that staff and students were "deeply saddened" by the loss, emphasizing support for the entire school community.

According to North Yorkshire Police, all nine passengers on the minibus were students from Tadcaster Grammar and Sherburn High School, sharing a sixth form. One student was seriously injured, while others and the minibus driver received treatment for minor injuries. The 40-year-old woman driving the Hyundai was arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving and later released on bail.

Author: Aiden Foster