Driver and schoolgirl, 14, die in horror coach crash on M53 motorway
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The coach driver and a 14-year-old schoolgirl have died in a horror crash on the M53 earlier today.
Earlier today, the school coach overturned on an embankment on M53 motorway near Cheshire just after 8.30am this morning (September 29), with air ambulances scrambling to the scene, and a "number of casualties" confirmed.
The North West Ambulance Service also confirmed that a woman had been taken to hospital in "serious condition" with "50 other patients" being treated at the scene. Both Alder Hey Children's Hospital and Wirral University Teaching Hospitals declared "major incidents" with the former stating that the Emergency Department is "currently extremely busy" around two hours later.
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Eight of those children were taken to the Countess of Chester hospital and Arrowe Park hospital, with some going to Alder Hey Hospital, too. It was later confirmed that 39 of the 54 involved were discharged a few hours later, with school officials now supporting those impacted by the crash.
An investigation into what happened is now underway, and Merseyside Police said: "We understand there were 54 people [on the bus] including the driver, sadly I can confirm the driver and a 14-year-old schoolgirl have died. 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."
A spokesman said: "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. We are aware of a situation involving one of our school buses on the motorway earlier today. We are actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families."
According to local councillor for Upton By Chester, Sherin Akhtar, the crash did involve children from Caldy Grange Grammar School in the Wirral and West Kirby Grammar School for girls.
Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "Our thoughts are with those affected by this event and we are ready to provide treatment and support to any casualties and relatives arriving at Arrowe Park Hospital.
“Our staff are professionally trained and prepared for such events, and we have established a Major Incident Team to coordinate and manage the emergency response."
And Margaret Greenwood, the MP for Wirral West, tweeted: "My thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident on the M53.
"I know the emergency services will be working hard to support people; if there’s any assistance I can provide, please call my office on 0151 792 3416."
Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey, said: "I am aware that a serious road traffic incident occurred this morning on the M53 involving a local school bus.
"My thoughts are with everyone involved in the incident, their family members and the wider school community.
"They are also with the emergency services from Arrowe Park and local police that are presently responding to the situation. They have my full support, and I hope that all those involved are able to receive the medical attention they need urgently.
"I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage or CCTV to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC quoting 23000944471 or call 101."
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