There are “a number of casualties” and a major incident has been declared after a school bus overturned in a crash on a motorway in Merseyside, emergency services have said.

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.

The North West Ambulance Service said it had “declared a major incident” following the crash.

One female was taken to hospital after suffering major trauma-related injuries, it said, while nearly 50 others were being assessed at the scene.

“We are working closely with our incident partners to convey people away from the scene as quickly as possible,” the service said.

An air ambulance was at the scene.

The motorway has been closed in both directions between junction 5 at Ellesmere Port and junction 4 at Bebbington.

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: “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.”

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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