Updated: M53 closed in both directions near to J5 after coach overturns
Update: Merseyside Police have confirmed a 14-year-old schoolgirl and the driver of the bus died in a collision on the M53 this morning.
During a press conference, chief superintendent Graeme Robson said: “54 people, including the driver, were on the bus, sadly, I can confirm that the driver and a 14-year-old school girl have died.”
“Two children were taken from the scene to Arrowe Park Hospital.”
“50 other children were taken to an emergency training centre where they were medically assessed.”
“Eight of those children have been taken to the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park Hospitals.”
Earlier report: The M53 is closed in both directions between J5 (Hooton) and J4 (Bebington) following a collision between a school coach and a car.
Emergency services rushed to the M53 near Hooton morning following report the coach had overturned.
The collision prompted North West Ambulance Service to declare a major incident.
One female is reported to have been taken to hospital with major trauma-related injuries, and nearly 50 other passengers from the coach have been assessed at the scene.
The incident involved substantial deployment of emergency resources, including ambulances, advanced paramedics, a hazardous area response team, and the North West Air Ambulance Service.
— North West Ambulance Service (@NWAmbulance) September 29, 2023
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital has declared a “major incident,” a spokesperson for Alder Hey 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.”
Merseyside Police said: “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.”
Earlier report: The M53 is closed in both directions between J5 (Hooton) and J4 (Bebington) due to an overturned coach.
The incident occurred shortly after 8am this morning.
All emergency services are on scene along with North West Air Ambulance Services.
Cheshire Police said: “The M53 is closed in both directions between J5 Hooton and J4 Clatterbridge and is likely to remain closed for some time. Please avoid the area and follow any diversions signposted.”
Merseyside Police said in a statement: “Due to a road traffic accident at junction 5 Northbound of the M53, we advise the public to avoid this area due to significant delays. Thank you for your patience whilst we deal with the incident and we will provide updates when available.”
Calday Grammar School, West Kirby has confirmed the coach involved is one of their school buses.
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. pic.twitter.com/FE2jJxA4hn
— Calday Grange Grammar School (@CaldayGrammar) September 29, 2023
A traffic report for the area states: “M53 both ways closed, queueing traffic due to overturned coach from J5 A41 New Chester Road (Eastham) to J4 A5137 Brimstage Road (Bebington). Congestion to surrounding routes between Ellsmere Port and Birkenhead as people look to divert. The incident occured at around 08:15 this morning. the air ambulance is on scene. Diversion: Via the solid circle diversion symbol.”
Northbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol:
- Exit the M53 northbound at J5
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A41 southbound (New Chester Road)
- At the B5133 junction, turn right onto the B5133 westbound (Hooton Road)
- At the junction with the B5151, turn right and join the B5151 northbound (Birkenhead Road)
- Continue to then re-join the M53 at J4
Southbound traffic is advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol:
- Exit the M53 southbound at J4
- Take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto the B5151 southbound (Mount Road)
- At the junction with the B5133, turn left onto the B5133 eastbound (Neston Road)
- Continue onward and then at the junction with the A41, turn right and join the A41 New Chester Road northbound
- Continue to then re-join the M53 southbound at J5
