Merseyside: ‘Major incident’ as school bus overturns on M53 motorway with ‘a number of casualties’

Major incidents have been declared after a school bus overturned in a crash on a motorway in Merseyside causing “a number of casualties”, emergency services have said.

One person has been taken to hospital with serious injuries and nearly 50 others were being assessed at the scene on the M53.

North West Ambulance Service, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital said they had declared a “major incident” following the collision between the coach and a car.

Calday Grange all-boys grammar school and West Kirby all-girls grammar school confirmed one of its school buses was involved in the incident.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue said crews arrived at the scene at 8.16am “to find an overturned bus with a number of casualties”.

North West Ambulance Service said in a statement: “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. We are working closely with our incident partners to convey people away from the scene as quickly as possible.”

An air ambulance was at the scene.

Children’s hospital A&E ‘extremely busy’

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital said in a statement: “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.”

Health secretary Steve Barclay tweeted: “I am being kept updated on the unfolding incident on the M53 and would like to thank everyone @AlderHey Children’s Hospital caring for those injured.”

The motorway has been closed in both directions between junctions 3 and 5 and diversions are in place.

Merseyside Police said it was called just after 8am to reports a bus had struck a reservation at junction 5 of the motorway.

The force said: “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.

“Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes, and we advise people to remain patient while the incident is ongoing.”

In separate statements on X, formerly Twitter, Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School said: “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.”

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.