Liverpool News
M53 School Bus Incident: Latest Updates
1 year ago
We will be updating you with the latest on the incident that occurred this morning involving a school bus on the M53.
An incident involving a school bus has occurred on the M53.
One person was seriously injured and āa number of patientsā are also being treated in hospital following a motorway crash involving a school bus and a car.
Emergency services were called on Friday shortly after 8am to reports of an overturned coach on the northbound M53 near to junction five at Hooton, Cheshire.
It is thought the bus was en route to West Kirby all-girls grammar school and Calday Grange all-boys grammar school, also in West Kirby, Merseyside.
Both Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School confirmed one of its school buses was involved.
Alder Hey Childrenās Hospital and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) later declared major incidents following the collision between the coach and a car.
Due to the incident, the motorway is currently shut down between Junction 4 and 5. Emergency services, including Merseyside Police, paramedics, and fire crews, are at the scene.
Latest:
Leader of Liverpool Council, councillor Liam Robinson responds to this morning’s fatal road traffic collision on the M53.
“On behalf of the people of Liverpool, I send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who died in the incident on the M53 in Wirral.
“Our thoughts are also with the many others who were injured.
“Our thanks go to the emergency services and the NHS staff for this swift, ongoing response.”
Leader of Wirral Council, councillor Paul Stuart, has released a statement.
“This is a heartbreaking day and my deepest condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
“Schools are very close-knit communities and I know this will be devastating for all those affected.
“The Council has been providing support and assistance to the schools and families since we were made aware of the incident this morning. We will continue to do whatever we can to help.”
Press Conference:
Merseyside Police have confirmed the Bus driver and a 14-year-old schoolgirl were killed in the crash.
Merseyside Police say 50 other children were taken to an emergency training centre where they were assessed.
8 of those children have been taken to the Countess of Chester hospital and Arrowe Park hospital, and two children were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
At the conference, Merseyside Police said:
“We also know that other children from both schools were on buses travelling in convoy with the bus involved in the incident and they witnessed the incident.”
Those who have been affected by the incident will be provided with specialist trauma support.
Read the full statements from the press conference HERE.
Alder Hey have de-escalated from a major incident, but insist their Emergency Department is still “extremely busy”.
Alder Hey tweeted:
“We’ve now de-escalated from a major incident, however our A&E remains extremely busy. Please only attend in cases of emergency, or use our Symptom Checker before attending- https://bit.ly/46u0DaN. If you have an appointment at Alder Hey, please still attend as normal. Thank you.”
Press conference to take place at Birkenhead Town Hall at 2.30pm
Head of Local Policing for Wirral Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson will provide an update in relation to the collision involving a bus on the M53 this morning.
He will be joined by Joanne Clague, area director for North West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside and Mark Thomas, area manager of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.
Latest images from the scene captured by Peter Byrne from the Press Association (PA).
Alder Hey have now declared a major incident and have released the following statement:
“Following an incident on the M53, we have called a major incident. Our Emergency Department is currently extremely busy and we would also ask parents to only bring their children to the Department if it is urgent.”
North West Ambulance Service have released the following statement:
“The trust dispatched a large number of resources to the scene, including ambulances, advanced paramedics, our Hazardous Area Response Team and a HEMS doctor.
“So far, one female patient has been taken to the hospital, suffering major trauma-related injuries. There are also nearly 50 other patients being assessed at the scene. We are working closely with our incident partners to convey people away from the scene as quickly as possible.”
Calday Grange Grammar School posted on their social media this morning:
“A situation involving one of our school buses on the highway earlier today has come to our attention. If you need to talk or seek guidance, please reach out to our teaching and pastoral teams.”
Merseyside Police have released the following statement:
“We can confirm that emergency services are on the M53 in Hooton following a collision involving a bus on the motorway.
“Just after 8am we received a report that a bus had struck a reservation on Junction 5 of the M53.
“Junctions 3-5 of the M53 are closed in both directions. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is currently ensuring the safe removal of passengers and the driver, and North West Ambulance Service are at the scene attending to anyone requiring treatment.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes, and we advise people to remain patient while the incident is ongoing.
“Enquiries are ongoing and updates will be issued as soon as possible.
“Please note this incident is ongoing and we are urging people to refrain from speculating or publishing any sensitive information that could be distressing online or via social media platforms.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage or CCTV is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC quoting 23000944471.”