M53 crash today LIVE: Girl, 14, and driver are killed in horror motorway collision with 13 more chil

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Thank you for joining our liveblog today for updates on the M53 crash.

Tragically, a 14-year-old girl and a bus driver died following the accident involving a school coach on the northbound M53 near to junction five at Hooton, Cheshire.

15:00

Police confirm no car was involved in crash

Merseyside Police have now issued an update, saying no other vehicle is understood to have been involved in the crash.

It was earlier thought that the crash had also involved a car, as well as the coach.

14:25

WATCH - Press conference video

You can watch a video here of the press conference about the M53 school bus crash, in which it was confirmed that two people have died:

14:21

Council says it is 'working closely' with schools

Wirral council is 'working closely' with schools affected by a fatal crash between a schoolbus and a car on the M53.

Simone White, director for children, families, and education at Wirral Council told a press conference: 'Council staff are working closely with the schools, and have been doing so since they were informed of the incident this morning.

'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.'

14:21

How has the crash affected traffic on the M53?

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.'

14:13

Paramedics reveal why major incident was declared

Joanne Clague, area director for North West Ambulance Service and Merseyside, said a major incident was declared following reports of a crash involving a coach on Friday morning.

She told a press conference: 'This was due to the potential number of casualties involved.

'As a result, we sent a substantial number of ambulances, senior clinicians and our hazardous area response teams. A critical care doctor was also dispatched to the scene.

'Tragically, we can confirm that there were two fatalities as a result of this crash.

'A further two patients were taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital with serious injuries.

'In addition, we have taken a number of patients to surrounding hospitals to be treated for minor injuries.'

14:12

Keir Starmer says it's 'unimaginably sad news'

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.'

14:12

Police send thoughts to family and friends of victims

Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson also told the press conference: '50 other children were taken to an emergency training centre where they were medically assessed and eight of those children have been taken to the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park 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.

'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.'

14:00

Were firefighters involved in the rescue?

Firefighters helped passengers exit a schoolbus after it overturned following a crash with a car on the M53.

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.

'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.'

14:00

When were emergency services called?

Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson has told a press conference that emergency services were called to reports of an overturned bus on the M53 just after eight o'clock on Friday morning.

He said: 'We can confirm that the bus was a school bus, taking pupils to West Kirby and Calday grammar schools on the Wirral.

'We understand there were 54 people including the driver on the bus. 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.'

13:59

How many people were on the school bus?

Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson, of Merseyside Police, said 54 people, including the driver, were on the school bus involved in a crash on the M53 motorway.

He added that eight children had been transferred from a casualty clearing centre in Wallasey to the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park hospitals.

13:51

What we know so far after M53 bus crash

A 14-year-old schoolgirl and a bus driver have died following the motorway crash involving a coach and a car.

Emergency services were called today shortly after 8am to reports of an overturned coach on the northbound M53 near to junction five at Hooton, Cheshire.

A further two patients were taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital with serious injuries, while a number of other patients were taken to surrounding hospitals for treatment to minor injuries, North West Ambulance Service said.

A total of 50 children were transported to a casualty clearing centre at the emergency services training centre in Wallasey. Of those, 39 have now been discharged while the remainder have been taken to hospital for further treatment.

It is thought the bus was going 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 Children's Hospital and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) later declared major incidents, although Alder Hey later de-escalated.

13:50

Hospital has 'de-escalated' from major incident after M53 crash

Alder Hey Children's Hospital said it has now 'de-escalated' from a major incident following the crash on the M53.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the hospital said: 'We've now de-escalated from a major incident, however our A&E remains extremely busy. Please only attend in cases of emergency.'

The hospital said anyone with an appointment today should attend as normal:

13:48

Breaking: 50 children taken to casualty clearing centre

A further two patients were taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital with serious injuries, while a number of other patients were taken to surrounding hospitals for treatment to minor injuries, the ambulance service said.

A total of 50 children were transported to a casualty clearing centre at the emergency services training centre in Wallasey.

Of those, 39 have now been discharged while the remainder have been taken to hospital for further treatment.

13:48

Breaking: Girl, 14, and coach driver are killed

A 14-year-old schoolgirl and a coach driver have died after the motorway crash involving a school bus and a car, Merseyside Police said.

Emergency services at the scene of a coach crash on the M53 motorway, between junction 5 at Ellesmere Port and junction 4 at Bebbington. The coach was carrying schoolchildren to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for Girls

12:55

Map shows location of school bus crash

Emergency services were called on Friday after reports of an overturned coach on the northbound M53 near to junction 5 at Hooton, Cheshire.

12:48

Football club 'saddened' by news of the accident

12:41

'Thoughts are with all of those who have pupils at both schools and their families'

Labour MP Dame Angela Eagle, who represents Wallasey, said her thoughts were with those impacted.

'I'm sure over the coming days we will find out what actually has happened with this crash and we will find out more information.

'My thoughts are with all of those who have pupils at both schools and their families and also with the emergency services who have been having to respond to this incident as it has unfolded today,' she told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme.

Emergency services at the scene of a coach crash on the M53 motorway, between junction 5 at Ellesmere Port and junction 4 at Bebbington. The coach was carrying schoolchildren to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for Girls

11:18

Two hospitals declare Major Incidents

A spokesperson for Alder Hey Children's Hospital said: '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.'

A major incident has also been declared at Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral.

A spokesperson for Wirral University teaching hospital said: 'We have clear plans in place to deal with these types of emergency situations and our services are ready to receive any casualties. The Trust has declared a Major Incident and the Major Incident Team has been stood up to manage the situation.'

11:14

First aerial pictures from the scene show overturned bus in the road

Emergency services at the scene of a coach crash on the M53 motorway, between junction 5 at Ellesmere Port and junction 4 at Bebbington. The coach was carrying schoolchildren to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar school for girls. Picture date: Friday September 29, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE M53. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Emergency services at the scene of a coach crash on the M53 motorway, between junction 5 at Ellesmere Port and junction 4 at Bebbington. The coach was carrying schoolchildren to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for Girls. Picture date: Friday September 29, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLICE M53. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

11:03

National Highways say all emergency services are on the scene

National Highways North West said: 'The incident occurred shortly after 8am this morning.

'All emergency services are on scene along with North West Air Ambulance Services.

'National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene providing assistance with traffic management.'

A stretch of motorway on the M53 is closed due to a police incident this morning. A spokesperson for the force has confirmed that emergency services are dealing with a crash on the M53 northbound, near to J5. They are advising people to avoid the area as all traffic is being temporarily held from J5 A41 New Chester Road (Eastham) to J4 A5137 Brimstage Road (Bebington). An image from the scene appears to show a coach on its side.

10:47

Statement in full by Merseyside Police

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.

You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/

10:37

Local children's hospital declares major incident

10:34

Coach crashed with a car and struck a reservation

The ambulance service said they rushed to the scene after reports of a road traffic collision between a car and a coach.

A witness who tweeted a photo showing a bus lying on its side wrote: 'Crash on the M53 towards Liverpool just after J5. Coach on the side with school kids escaping for the back window. Hope all the kids got out ok.'

Another said: 'Drove past that was awful to see all the kids standing on the hard shoulder.'

'Praying for them kids on the M53,' another added.

M53 School coach crash

10:27

Female patient suffers major trauma-related injuries

10:24

Crash involves children from Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for girls

The crash involves children from Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for girls, according to the local councillor for Upton By Chester, Sherin Akhtar.

Councillor Akhtar posted a statement on Facebook which reads: 'I can confirm and am aware of an accident on the M53 this morning going towards the Wirral/ Birkenhead.

'It involves a Carvers coach (W3) travelling to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar school for girls.

'Whilst this is a live situation, I would like to assure residents that I am working on their behalf and offer support and will endeavour to update, as soon as possible.

'I am aware that children are being taken to Arrowe Park as precautionary.'

10:23

Witness said children were 'escaping from the back window'

Witnesses say children were escaping from the back window and are standing on the hard shoulder after the bus crashed with a car and struck a reservation just after 8am.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they arrived at the scene to find an overturned bus with a number of casualties.

Crews are currently working to safely remove passengers, including the driver, as ambulance crews are attending to anyone needing treatment at the scene.

10:21

'Major incident' is declared after horror school bus crash

A 'major incident' has been declared by the North West Ambulance Service after a horror school bus crash this morning.

A bus overturned on the M53 at Hooton, Cheshire, leaving a 'number of casualties'.

One female patient has been taken to hospital with major trauma-related injuries as 50 others are being assessed by ambulance crews at the scene

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