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
Recap: Girl, 14, and school bus driver die following motorway crash
A 15-year-old girl and a bus driver have died following a motorway crash involving a school coach.
Emergency services were called on Friday shortly after 8am to reports of an overturned coach on the northbound M53 near to junction five at Hooton, Cheshire.
Merseyside Police said a total of 58 people were involved in the incident including the two fatalities.
Full report:
Girl, 14, and school bus driver die following motorway crash
The coach overturned on the northbound M53 in Cheshire.
Fire crews helped children off crashed bus
Mark Thomas, area manager of Merseyside Fire and Rescue service, told reporters: “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.”
Police chief emotional as he announces deaths
ICYMI:
Police chief’s voice breaks as he confirms schoolgirl and driver dead in M53 crash
A Merseyside Police boss was visibly emotional as he delivered a press conference confirming the death of two people in a school bus crash on the M53 on Friday. Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said: “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. 50 other children were taken to an emergency training centre where they were medically assessed. Eight have been taken to the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park Hospital.” Mr Robson added: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends at this tragic time.” He confirmed all children who witnessed the crash will be given specialist trauma support.
Major incident was declared at hospitals
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital have declared major incidents:
Major incident declared at Merseyside hospitals after M53 school bus crash
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital have declared ‘major incidents’ after the crash on M53 in Merseyside
Striking NHS staff leave picket lines
ICYMI: Striking NHS workers left picket lines to be available to help the injured, a union says.
Police say 58 people involved
Merseyside Police said a total of 58 people were involved in the incident including the two fatalities. The girl who died in the crash was initially said by police to have been 14. This was later changed to 15.
Girl, 14, and school bus driver die following motorway crash
The coach overturned on the northbound M53 in Cheshire.
‘I thought I was going to die,’ says schoolgirl
A schoolgirl on the bus that crashed said she thought she was going to die.
She said the crash was “very scary” after she was pulled from the wreckage, the Daily Mail reported.
A mother shares her gratitude to the school the 14-year-old victim attended
The 14-year-old killed in the crash yesterday was on her way to West Kirkby Grammar School, Merseyside.
One mother of two girls who attend the same school says the school has been highly supportive to fellow students.
She said on Facebook: “Following the tragic accident today, WKGS staff and pupils have been so strong, supportive and compassionate with all students and their families.
“Thank you for the amazing pastoral care with our two girls and all pupils. Thinking of everyone directly and indirectly involved.”
How the crash was first reported
Motorway closed after accident involving school bus
Emergency services were called after reports of an overturned coach on the M53 in Cheshire.
School offers pupils and families help
One of the schools whose pupils were involved in the crash is offering support and help to children and families.
Calday Grange Grammar School made the offer on social media.
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