All M53 diversions after school bus crash shuts motorway

Motorists are being warned a stretch of the M53 will be shut 'for some time' as emergency services deal with 'a number of casualties'. Police, firefighters, paramedics, and the air ambulance were scrambled to the stretch through Hooton just after 8am to reports a collision had left a coach overturned.

Now National Highways has put diversions in place while emergency services tend to the patients. Meanwhile Caldy Grange Grammar School in Birkenhead has confirmed the incident involved one of its coaches.

Currently Junction three to five have been shut off in both directions with drivers urged to avoid the area. Meanwhile police are also urging people from speculating about the incident on social media.

READ: Live updates as crash closes M53 with reports school bus involved | Emergency services are at scene^[1]

READ: Number of casualties and search and rescue teams on scene of M53 school bus crash | The motorway is closed in both directions with police, fire and ambulance at scene^[2]

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that emergency services are on the M53 in Hooton following a collision involving a bus on the motorway.

"Just after 8am we received a report that a bus had struck a reservation on Junction 5 of the M53. Junctions three to five 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.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes, and we advise people to remain patient while the incident is ongoing. Enquiries are ongoing and updates will be issued as soon as possible.

"Please note this incident is ongoing and we are urging people to refrain from speculating or publishing any sensitive information that could be distressing online or via social media platforms."

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has said there are a 'number of casualties'. A spokesperson said: "Fire crews have been called to the scene of a road traffic collision between Junctions five and four of the M53 on the northbound carriageway this morning. Two fire engines and the Search and Rescue Team are in attendance.

"Crews were alerted at 8.05am and on scene at 8.16am. Crews arrived at the scene to find an overturned bus with a number of casualties. North West Ambulance and Merseyside Police are also in attendance. The incident is ongoing and the carriageway will remain closed for some time."

Meanwhile councillor for Upton^[3] By Chester^[4], Sherin Akhtar says the crash involves pupils from Calday Grange and also West Kirby Grammar School for Girls. She said: "I can confirm and am aware of an accident on the M53 this morning going towards the Wirral^[5]/ Birkenhead. It involves a Carvers coach travelling to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar school for girls.

"Whilst this is a live situation, I would like to assure residents that I am working on their behalf and offer support and will endeavour to update, as soon as possible."

A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service added: "Following reports of an RTC between a car and a coach on the M53 the Trust has despatched resources to the scene. We are assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services.

"Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible."

Diversion routes

Northbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol:

• Exit the M53 northbound at J5
• At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the A41 southbound (New Chester Road)
• At the B5133 junction, turn right onto the B5133 westbound (Hooton Road)
• At the junction with the B5151, turn right and join the B5151 northbound (Birkenhead Road)
• Continue to then re-join the M53 at J4

Southbound traffic is advised to follow the hollow diamond diversion symbol:

• Exit the M53 southbound at J4
• Take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto the B5151 southbound (Mount Road)
• At the junction with the B5133, turn left onto the B5133 eastbound (Neston Road)
• Continue onward and then at the junction with the A41, turn right and join the A41 New Chester Road northbound
• Continue to then re-join the M53 southbound at J5

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References

1. ^{^} Live updates as crash closes M53 with reports school bus involved | Emergency services are at scene (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Number of casualties and search and rescue teams on scene of M53 school bus crash | The motorway is closed in both directions with police, fire and ambulance at scene (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
3. ^{^} Upton (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
4. ^{^} Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
5. ^{^} Wirral (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
6. ^{^} Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)