M53 closed after serious crash involving a school bus in Merseyside
The motorway is shut at Hooton, whilst emergency services respond
Last updated 29th Sep 2023
Emergency services are currently responding to a serious crash involving a school bus on the M53 in Merseyside.
The motorway is shut between junction 3 to junction 5, as crews assist passengers.
Police, ambulance, and the fire service were called just after 8am this morning, after receiving reports that of a crash involving a bus and a car.
Motorists are being told to avoid the area, and find alternative routes.
In a statement on twitter, North West Ambulance Service say:
"In a statement, NWAS said: "The trust despatched a large number of resources to the scene involving ambulances, advanced paramedics, our hazardous area response team and a HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service) doctor.
"So far, one female patient has been taken to the hospital, suffering major trauma-related injuries.
"There are also nearly 50 other patients being assessed at the scene.
It is understood the bus involved was carrying school children at the time.
Calday Grange Grammar School in Wirral has posted on social media, to say they are aware of an incident involving one of their school buses on the highway, and they are "actively gathering details, and assisting affected students".
Merseyside Police said in a statement:
"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."
Diversions are in place as the M53 is closed in both directions and people are being told to avoid the area
Alder Hey Children's Hospital has also declared a major incident:
"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."