M53 crash: Major incident as school bus full of children overturns

A major incident has been declared at a children's hospital after a school coach overturned on a motorway.

A female patient has suffered "major trauma-related injuries" while 50 others are also being treated after the crash on the M53 in Wirral, Merseyside, the North West Ambulance Service said.

Police said the coach struck a motorway reservation shortly after 08:00 BST.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool said it was treating "a number of" injured people.

Calday Grange Grammar School in West Kirby confirmed one of their school buses was involved.

The school said staff were "actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families".

The coach was carrying schoolchildren from two schools

Meanwhile, West Kirby Grammar School said it was aware of an incident "involving the W3 bus service".

"We are in communication with the bus provider and emergency services who have advised that they will keep us updated," the school said.

"We would appreciate your help in keeping our telephone lines clear so that this communication can continue."

Two air ambulances were called to the scene as part of the emergency response between junction 4 at Bebington and junction 5 in Hooton.

• Follow live updates on school bus motorway crash

The ambulance service, which also declared a major incident, said: "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.

"We are working closely with our incident partners to convey people away from the scene."

The bus overturned after hitting a motorway reservation, police said

After declaring a major incident, Alder Hey said its emergency department was extremely busy.

"We would also ask parents to only bring their children to the department if it is urgent," the hospital said.

"All other appointments and services are running as normal."

The road has been closed in both directions and motorists are being advised to avoid the area. Diversions have been put in place.

Unison said health care workers taking industrial action had immediately returned to work to help following the crash.

A spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this terrible incident."

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said on X she was "extremely concerned" about the crash and that she was in contact with the local authority, while Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said he was "grateful to our emergency services".

Labour MP for Birkenhead Mick Whitley posted: "My thoughts are with everyone who's been affected by the terrible incident on the M53.

"Please keep clear of the area and allow the emergency services to do their work.

"If you're a Birkenhead constituent who's been affected, I will do whatever I can to support you."

Margaret Greenwood, MP for Wirral West, Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey and Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, also shared their support.