POLICE have revealed they are investigating the possibility driver error was the cause of an Oxford Tube coach crash which saw 17 people treated in hospital.

The double-decker overturned on an M40 slip road at junction seven near Thame on Saturday night.

Police are still investigating why the coach left the motorway at that junction instead of taking the usual route and heading into the city from junction eight.

Last night four people were still receiving treatment for injuries at the John Radcliffe Hospital but the driver of the coach, who suffered spinal injuries, was discharged yesterday.

Stagecoach said the driver was suspended as part of its standard procedure pending an investigation.

A mass was held at Blackfriars Church, in St Giles, last night to give thanks for the safety of the passengers and driver involved in the M40 crash, including the college’s Dominican Friar, Brother Lawrence Lew.

The 33-year-old said it was a “miracle” he was uninjured.

Thames Valley Police spoke-sman Alice Adderley said: “We’re looking at suspected driver error.

“The bus was recovered on Sunday and will be examined in the next couple of days.

“The other passengers have been contacted in relation to providing statements and the driver has given an initial account of what happened, but he has not been formally interviewed at this stage.”

Stagecoach spokesman Lindsay Reid said: “Any issues regarding the detail of the incident are a matter for the police who have responsibility to investigate road traffic accidents.”