A major incident was declared after a coach carrying elderly people crashed at Morval, near Looe, claiming two lives. Around 50 people from Exmouth, Devon, were on board the Carmel Coaches of Exeter vehicle when it went out of control on a twisting downhill section of the A387 at about 1pm on Tuesday. The coach is believed to have struck trees in the roadside hedge, shattering the vehicle's side windows, and then travelled down the hill, coming to a halt in the village. One woman was pronounced dead at the scene and another died on arrival at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. As well as police and fire vehicles, six road ambulances, five helicopters – a pair of air ambulances from Devon along with the one from Cornwall and rescue helicopters from Chivenor and Culdrose – went to the scene. Rescue Residents reported that Looe's First Responder was among the first to arrive while paramedics, technicians, emergency care practitioners and three doctors assisted. Fire appliances from Looe and Liskeard as well as the rescue tender from Bodmin were at the scene and the crews assisted in the rescue operation by cutting away seats in the 50-seater Plaxton coach to give access to the injured. Eight passengers were taken to hospital in Plymouth for treatment, where four remain. Others, many suffering cuts and bruises as well as the effects of shock, were treated at the scene by a team of doctors and paramedics. They were returned to Exmouth by coach later that day. Police arrested the 57-year-old coach driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was released from Launceston Police Station after questioning, having been bailed to return on August 11. Investigating officers say they are anxious to speak to anyone who might have witnessed the crash or seen the coach travelling along the A387 prior to the incident. The coach party was on a day trip organised by the Exmouth branch of Age Concern, whose chief officer, Steve Dace, described the incident as devastating. After the alarm was raised, a major incident was declared at Derriford Hospital in readiness for an influx of casualties and the hospital sent doctors to the scene to work with the South West Ambulance Service. A hospital spokesman said: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to all our staff who have responded brilliantly. 'We would also like to give our sincerest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.' Residents also helped at the scene, comforting victims and making refreshments for emergency service personnel. An investigation into the crash was launched immediately, involving the Devon and Cornwall Police Serious Collisions Unit and members of the Government's Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The A387 was closed, adding to difficulties for motorists caused by the existing closure of the B3253 at St Martin's Road due to retaining wall works. The A387 eventually reopened at about 10pm.