M53 closure LIVE after school bus crashes with '50 hurt' and major incident declared

Police, paramedics and fire crews are responding to a crash involving an overturned school bus on the M53 this morning.

The crash has happened near to junction five at Eastham with the motorway now closed off both ways. The fire service said there were a 'number of casualties' while North West Ambulance Service said they had a 'number of resources' on the scene.

NWAS and Alder Hey Children's Hospital have both since declared a major incident. One person has been taken to hospital with serious injuries while 50 others are being assessed at the scene, the ambulance service said.

Pupils from both Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar are believed to be involved. Children are being taken to Arrowe Park hospital from the scene, the Liverpool Echo reports.

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The bus is believed to have struck the central reservation after the crash. The motorway remains fully shut between junction five for Eastham and junction four for Bebington.

Merseyside Police said: “Junctions 3-5 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.”

Follow our live blog below for the latest updates on this incident.

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