Sixth-Form Student Ellie Hague Loses Her Life in Minibus Crash – Details

Police have named her and confirmed a woman has been arrested. Here's what we know so far about the devastating collision and its aftermath.

A 16-year-old sixth-form student has tragically died following a two-vehicle collision in North Yorkshire, England.

Eleanor Hague — known as Ellie — from Sherburn in Elmet, was formally named by North Yorkshire Police after she lost her life in a crash involving a minibus and a Hyundai i10 on Toulston Lane, near Tadcaster, on December 1, 2025.

Hague, a student at Tadcaster Grammar School, was travelling in a white Mercedes Sprinter minibus alongside eight other sixth-form students when the collision occurred at approximately 12:28 p.m.

The minibus was heading towards Sherburn when it was struck by the Hyundai, which had entered Toulston Lane from Rudgate. Emergency services responded quickly, but despite their efforts, Hague was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second teenage girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries, though they are not believed to be life-threatening. The remaining passengers, all aged 16 to 18 from both Tadcaster Grammar School and Sherburn High School's shared sixth form, were treated for minor injuries, along with the minibus driver.

The driver of the Hyundai — a 40-year-old woman from Leeds — was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. She was later released on conditional bail while investigations continue.

Toulston Lane was closed following the crash but has since reopened. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward.

North Yorkshire Council representative Kirsty Poskitt extended "heartfelt condolences to the young people involved” and to Hague's family. She described it as "an incredibly sad day for our town."

In a statement, Tadcaster Grammar School said, "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," they continued.

The devastating news has sparked an outpouring of grief online. One person said, "My thoughts are with those who love her and miss her. Thinking of the emergency services and the bus driver too – that must have been harrowing."

Another shared, "Unbearable heartache for her family and friends. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thinking of all those involved in the accident too 💔 what a beautiful girl. Xxx"

A third commented, "Heartbroken for this beautiful young girl's family and friends, utterly tragic and such a devastating thing to happen 💔. My thoughts are with everyone close to her, the other children on the bus, the poor driver and the whole school community who will be absolutely shattered by this 😢xxx [sic]."

Hague's family is being supported by specially trained officers. Police have urged the public and media to respect their request for privacy as they grieve.