14 year old girl and bus driver dead after M53 crash

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

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.

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.

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."

Alder Hey Children's Hospital and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) later declared major incidents, although Alder Hey later de-escalated.

The bus involved belonged to Carvers Coaches based in Ellesmere Port.

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."

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