Bus driver and schoolgirl, 15, die after vehicle overturns on UK motorway
A 15-year-old schoolgirl and a bus driver have died following a horror crash on the M53 motorway.
Emergency services were called shortly after 8am to reports of an overturned coach on the northbound M53 near to junction five at Hooton, Cheshire. The bus had "struck a reservation", police earlier said. The Mirror understands that no other vehicles were involved.
Tonight, the victims were named as 15-year-old schoolgirl Jessica Baker and bus driver Stephen Shrimpton, who suffered "medical issues" behind the wheel before he died. Merseyside Police said in total 58 people were involved in the incident.
A number of patients were taken to surrounding hospitals for treatment to minor injuries, North West Ambulance Service said. A total of 52 attended the emergency services training centre, 39 were discharged with no need for further treatment and 13 were treated for minor injuries and released, Merseyside Police said in a statement this evening.
Jessica Baker sadly died as a result of the collision on the M53 northbound carriageway earlier today
Stephen Shrimpton suffered 'medical issues' behind the wheel, his family said (Facebook)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 schools confirmed their pupils were involved.
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Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson previously told a press conference there were 54 people on the bus including the driver and Merseyside Fire and Rescue helped passengers escape the debris. He said: "Sadly, I can confirm that the driver and a 14-year-old schoolgirl have died. Two children were taken from the scene to Alder Hey Children's Hospital." Initially, police said the girl was 14, but issued a further statement in the evening saying she was 15.
Emergency services were called shortly after 8am (PA)Mr Robson continued: "Two children were taken from the scene to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, 50 other children were taken to an emergency training centre to be medically assessed and eight of those children have been taken to the Countess of Chester and Arrow Parke hospitals.
"Our thoughts and condolences are very much with their family and friends at this tragic time. Family Liaison Officers are providing specialist support to both families and we are working with the schools, Wirral Council and Cheshire West Council to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children on the bus.
Police gave a press conference this afternoon (Sky News)"We also know that other children from both schools were on buses travelling in convoy with the bus involved and they witnessed the incident and they too will be provided with specialist trauma support. The motorway is expected to be closed for a number of hours whilst investigative work is carried out and we would like to thank motorists for their patience while the investigation is ongoing."
Joanne Clague, area director for North West Ambulance Service and Merseyside, said 50 children were taken to a casualty clearing centre at the emergency service training centre in Wallasey. She added that 39 children have now been discharged and the remaining children have been taken to hospital for further treatment.
Ms Clague told a press conference: "Assessments have taken place by our clinicians at the emergency service centre and patients there are being discharged, as I say, into the care of their parents and a small number taken to hospital for further treatment. I would like to thank our emergency services colleagues for their support in ensuring that the scene was safe so we were able to identify the most seriously injured while safeguarding all those involved in this incident.
Traffic near the scene of the collision (Liverpool Echo)"Again, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of those affected." Firefighters helped passengers exit a schoolbus after it overturned following the crash. Mark Thomas, area manager of Merseyside Fire and Rescue service, told a press conference: "Firefighters worked with emergency services colleagues at scene to stabilise the vehicle.
"We ensured the scene was safe, and we assisted casualties exiting the bus. Working jointly with our police and ambulance colleagues, shortly after we were able to assist the casualties onto a second coach to receive care away from the scene. Our operations are currently scaling down, and currently we stay at the scene, in attendance, to preserve the scene with Merseyside Police whilst an investigation is conducted.
Police officers guard a bridge over the M53 motorway near the scene (Getty Images)"The thoughts of everyone at Merseyside Police Fire and Rescue Service are with the friends, the colleagues, and the families of all of those involved in this terrible incident." North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) declared a major incident following the collision.
Alder Hey Children's Hospital also declared a major incident, which has since been de-escalated. In separate tweets, Calday Grange and West Kirby grammar schools posted: "We are aware of a situation involving one of our school buses on the motorway earlier today. We're actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families."
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Wirral Council said it is "working closely" with schools affected by the fatal crash. Simone White, director for children, families, and education at Wirral Council told the press conference: "Council staff are working closely with the schools, and have been doing so since they were informed of the incident this morning.
A cordoned-off bridge over the motorway (Getty Images)"I'm sure everybody will understand that for the moment, our focus, and the focus of the schools, is in supporting the pupils, families, and wider school community who will have all been affected by this incident. As a council we will continue to work with other local areas and all those who are affected as we wish to provide support and assistance as needed to the families who have been involved in this."
This afternoon, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "My heart goes out to everyone affected by the tragic accident on the Wirral this morning. Unimaginably sad news." The bus involved belonged to Carvers Coaches based in Ellesmere Port. Diversions are in place as the M53 remains closed in both directions between junctions four and five.
National Highways North West said: "North West Motorway Police Group will be carrying out complex investigation work. Once complete, recovery of the coach and collision clear-up work can begin. The closure is expected to remain in place throughout the afternoon."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage or CCTV should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC quoting 23000944471. Alternatively, call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.
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