There have been a “number of casualties” reported following the overturn of a school bus on the M53 in Wirral, Merseyside, England.
According to the North West Ambulance Service, “50 other patients” are being treated on-site while a woman in “serious condition” has been sent to the hospital.
Both the Wirral University Teaching Hospitals and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital have declared “major incidents,” with the former claiming that the emergency room is “currently extremely busy.”
According to police, the coach collided with a highway reservation shortly after 08:00 BST.
Caldy Grange Grammar School in the Wirral has acknowledged that the coach belonged to them, with pupils “affected,” and another school is also involved.
The school said staff were “actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families.”
Local councilwoman Sherin Akhtar said in a post on X that the bus was headed to West Kirby Grammar School at the time.
West Kirby Grammar declared that it was aware of the event “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 dispatched to the location as part of the emergency response between junctions 4 and 5 in Bebington, to help with the casualties.
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.”
According to Unison, healthcare professionals who were participating in industrial action came back to work right away to assist in the aftermath of the collision.
A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this terrible incident.”
In a post on X, Labour MP for Birkenhead Mick Whitley said: “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.”