M53: Schoolgirl who died in school coach crash named as Jessica Baker, 15

1696018418 The teenage girl who died after the school coach crashed has been identified as Jessica Baker, 15, Merseyside Police say. The family issued a photograph of her as the force said they requested privacy. A police statement said: ‘Jessica Baker sadly died as a result of the collision on the M53 northbound carriageway earlier today. ‘Jessica’s family have requested that their privacy is respected at this time and any updates from them will be issued via Merseyside Police news office as appropriate.’ Jane Dalton 29 September 2023 21:13 1696058113 Merseyside Police is calling on anyone who witnessed the coach crash or has dashcam footage to contact them. In total 58 people were involved in the incident, including the two fatalities. That includes 14 year-old boy who has suffered life changing injuries and remains in hospital. A total of 52 attended the emergency services training centre, 39 were discharged with no need for further treatment and 13 were treated for minor injuries and released. Local policing superintendent, Sabi Kaur said: ‘This was a truly horrific incident and the impact on this will have been felt far and wide not only in Wirral but across Merseyside. ‘Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the girl and the bus driver as well as with those who have been impacted by this incident and we will do everything we can to support them in the coming days and weeks. ‘We would ask anyone who witnessed the collision or believes they have captured something significant to contact us as a matter of urgency. ‘We would also ask the public to avoid speculating on the incident or posting information or images which could be distressing for the families and those involved.’ Matt Mathers 30 September 2023 08:15 1696055478 The driver who died in the coach crash has been named online by his family as Stephen Shrimpton. A family member set up a Gofundme page to help raise funds for Mr Shrimpton’s funeral. The family member said the coach driver had suffered ‘medical issues at the while’ while driving students to school. ‘He’s sadly left behind my sister who’s now a widow in her early thirties, and unfortunately a single mum along side his much loved two young children who are only 8 and 4, who are going to grow up without their beloved father,’ the family member wrote. Matt Mathers 30 September 2023 07:31 1696054803 A 15-year-old girl and a bus driver have died following a motorway crash involving a school coach. Emergency services were called on Friday shortly after 8am to reports of an overturned coach on the northbound M53 near to junction five at Hooton, Cheshire . Merseyside Police said a total of 58 people were involved in the incident including the two fatalities. The coach overturned on the northbound M53 in Cheshire. Matt Mathers 30 September 2023 07:20 1696053300 Mark Thomas, area manager of Merseyside Fire and Rescue service, told reporters: ‘Firefighters worked with emergency services colleagues at scene to stabilise the vehicle. We ensured the scene was safe, and we assisted casualties exiting the bus. ‘Working jointly with our police and ambulance colleagues, shortly after we were able to assist the casualties onto a second coach to receive care away from the scene.’ Jane Dalton 30 September 2023 06:55 1696046460 A Merseyside Police boss was visibly emotional as he delivered a press conference confirming the death of two people in a school bus crash on the M53 on Friday. Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said: ‘Sadly, I can confirm that the driver and a 14-year-old schoolgirl have died. ‘Two children were taken from the scene to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. 50 other children were taken to an emergency training centre where they were medically assessed. Eight have been taken to the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park Hospital.’ Mr Robson added: ‘Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends at this tragic time.’ He confirmed all children who witnessed the crash will be given specialist trauma support. Jane Dalton 30 September 2023 05:01 1696042860 Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital have declared major incidents: Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Arrowe Park Hospital have declared ‘major incidents’ after the crash on M53 in Merseyside Jane Dalton 30 September 2023 04:01 1696039260 ICYMI: Striking NHS workers left picket lines to be available to help the injured, a union says. Jane Dalton 30 September 2023 03:01 1696035660 Merseyside Police said a total of 58 people were involved in the incident including the two fatalities. The girl who died in the crash was initially said by police to have been 14. This was later changed to 15. The coach overturned on the northbound M53 in Cheshire. Jane Dalton 30 September 2023 02:01 1696032060 A schoolgirl on the bus that crashed said she thought she was going to die. She said the crash was ‘very scary’ after she was pulled from the wreckage, the Daily Mail reported. Jane Dalton 30 September 2023 01:01