A “major incident” has 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.
Calday Grange Grammar School confirmed one of its coaches was involved in the incident on the M53.
A statement posted by the school on X, formerly Twitter, 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.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue said crews arrived at the scene at 8.16am “to find an overturned bus with a number of casualties”, according to local media.
North West Ambulance Service said it had “declared a major incident” following the crash.
In a statement it 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. 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.
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.”
National Highways North West said: “The incident occurred shortly after 8am this morning.
“All emergency services are on scene along with North West Air Ambulance Services.
“National Highways Traffic Officers are on scene providing assistance with traffic management.”
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