Accident on M53: School Bus Carrying Children Flips Over on Motorway
A school coach has flipped over on a motorway, resulting in one person being transported to the hospital and 50 others receiving on-site medical attention.
In the wake of the occurrence on the M53 in Wirral, Merseyside, the North West Ambulance Service revealed that one individual has sustained “major trauma-related injuries,” while an additional 50 individuals are also undergoing treatment. This incident transpired as the coach collided with a motorway reservation shortly after 08:00 BST.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, situated in Liverpool, reported that it is currently providing care for “a number of” injured individuals. Calday Grange Grammar School in West Kirby has verified the involvement of one of their school buses. The institution has conveyed that their personnel are vigorously gathering particulars and extending assistance to affected students and their respective families.
Via X, local councillor Sherin Akhtar communicated that the coach was en route to West Kirby Grammar School at the time of the incident. West Kirby Grammar asserted cognizance of the situation, specifically mentioning the W3 bus service. The school expressed ongoing correspondence with the bus provider and emergency services, who have committed to providing regular updates.
The emergency response encompassed the dispatch of two air ambulances to the scene, strategically positioned between junction 4 at Bebington and junction 5 in Hooton. The ambulance service, also having designated this as a major incident, reported, “At present, one female patient has been transported to the hospital, grappling with major trauma-related injuries. In addition, there are nearly 50 other patients currently undergoing evaluation at the scene.”
Collaborative efforts with incident partners are being diligently coordinated to facilitate the orderly transition of individuals away from the vicinity. Alder Hey, following the declaration of a major incident, noted a surge in activity within their emergency department. The hospital advised, “We would also urge parents to only present their children to the department if it is of urgent necessity. All other appointments and services are operating on their usual schedules.”
The thoroughfare has been sealed off in both directions, and motorists are being advised to steer clear of the area. Suitable diversions have been instituted. Unison conveyed that healthcare practitioners who were previously partaking in industrial action swiftly resumed their responsibilities to extend aid in the aftermath of this collision. A spokesperson conveyed, “Our sentiments are with all those affected by this distressing incident.”
In a statement shared on X, Labour MP for Birkenhead, Mick Whitley, expressed, “My heartfelt sympathies go out to all those who have been impacted by this grievous incident on the M53. Kindly refrain from approaching the vicinity and grant the emergency services the space needed to carry out their duties. For any constituents in Birkenhead who find themselves affected, please rest assured that I stand ready to extend any support within my capacity.”
Margaret Greenwood, MP for Wirral West, Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey, and Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, also joined in expressing their solidarity and support.
