M53 bus crash – latest: Coach driver killed was father of 2 as family say he suffered ‘medical issue’ at wheel
A 14-year-old boy suffered life-changing injuries in yesterday’s crash, which saw other injured children climbing out of windows to safety
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The bus driver who died in a horror car crash in Merseyside has been named as a father of two whose family claim "suffered medical issues behind the wheel” before the crash.
Stephen Shrimpton, described by his family as a “loving husband and father”, was driving a bus of more than 50 schoolchildren when it hit a reservation on the M53 near Junction 5 and flipped over.
One of the pupils on board, 15-year-old Jessica Baker, was also killed. A boy aged 14 suffered life-changing injuries, while several others were taken to hospital. Four other children were taken to hospital for treatment.
Eyewitnesses have described how injured children climbed through windows of the bus to escape from the wreckage.
The bus had been taking pupils to the all boys Calday Grange Grammar School and the all-girls West Kirby Grammar School when it crashed.
The crash happened just after junction 5, heading towards Liverpool, and closed a junction of the motorway. The road is reopened today.
Have you been affected by this incident? E-mail matt.mathers@independent.co.uk
Tragic news just given in a statement at the media briefing
Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson, head of local policing for Wirral, tells the media conference: “Emergency services were called to reports of an overturned bus on the M53 at just after 8am this morning. 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, and sadly I can confirm that the driver and a 14-year-old school girl have died.”
Girl of 14 and driver killed
The driver and a 14-year-old girl were killed in the crash, police say.
Children who saw the crash will be given specialist trauma support, they said.
Hospital statement
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 on Friday should attend as normal.
Local MP reacts
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.
Press conference called
A briefing will be given to the media by Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson, head of local policing for Wirral, on this morning’s crash at 2.30pm.
He will be joined by Joanne Clague, area director for North West Ambulance Service Cheshire and Merseyside, and Mark Thomas, area manager of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, at Birkenhead Town Hall.
We’ll be covering what is said and sharing footage from briefing
Schools issue statements
We’ve now had statements from both schools for the children involved in the bus crash on the M53.
The coach was carrying children from Calday Grange Grammar School in West Kirby and West Kirby Grammar School. Local councillor for Upton By Chester, Sherin Akhtar, said it was travelling to the two schools.
Calday Grange Grammar School wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “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. Support is available. If you need to talk or seek guidance, please reach out to our teaching and pastoral teams.”
West Kirby Grammar said: “We are in communication with the bus provider and emergency services who have advised that they will keep us updated. We would appreciate your help in keeping our telephone lines clear so that this communication can continue.”
‘They have my full support'
More reaction has come in from MPs in the Merseyside region to this morning’s horror crash - as one woman is treated in hospital for serious injuries and 50 others are being assessed.
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.”
Earlier, Margaret Greenwood, MP for Wirral West, had said: “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the incident on the M53.”
Pictures of the crash site
These aerial images show police and fire crews at the scene of the school bus crash on the M53 in Merseyside this morning.
The coach can be seen completely on its side with debris scattered around it. There appears to also be broken glass from the vehicle on the road.
Merseyside Police were called to reports that the coach had hit a reservation on the motorway near junction 5 shortly after 8am.
Wirral hospital declares ‘major incident'
Wirral University Teaching Hospital has declared a “major incident” following the grammar school bus crash on the M53.
A spokesperson 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.”
Dr Nikki Stevenson, Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, added: “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.”
M53 closure expected to remain in place for most of the day
The closure of the M53 between junctions 5 and 4 is expected to remain in place for “considerable” time today.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, National Highways England said: “The M53 remains closed in both directions between J5 Hooton and J4 Bebington following a serious incident.
“The closure is expected to remain in place for a considerable time today.”
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