Dozens of pupils from West Kirby and Calday Grange Grammar Schools have been injured in a coach crash on the M53.
Alder Hey and Arrowe Park hospitals have both declared a major incident, with around 50 casualties.
One woman is in a serious condition after suffering major trauma related injuries, according to North West Ambulance Service.
The incident happened near to Junction 5 at Eastham at around 8am, with Merseyside Police receiving reports that the vehicle had struck the central reservation. Photographs from the scene show that it ended up on its side.
North West Ambulance Service sent paramedics and a hazardous area response team, and the air ambulance was also scrambled.
Both schools have confirmed on social media that it was a coach carrying their pupils to school.
In identical statements, they said: “We are aware of a situation involving one of our school buses on the motorway earlier today.
“We are actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families.”
They are encouraging anyone affected to get in touch with their pastoral and teaching teams.
Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood has issued a statement saying her thoughts are with everyone involved and is urging anyone needing assistance to contact her office.
The motorway is closed in both directions between junctions 3 and 5, and highways officials say it is expected to remain that way for most of the day, with congestion expected on surrounding routes.
Earlier, Upton-by-Chester councillor, Sherin Akhtar, had posted on X: “I can confirm that there has been an accident on the M53 this morning going towards the Wirral.
“It involves a Carvers coach (W3) travelling to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for Girls.”
We will update this story as and when more information becomes available.
Our thoughts are with all of those affected.
