Further update: Continued appeal for information following fatal RTC on M53

We are continuing to appeal for witnesses and dash-cam footage following a fatal road traffic collision on the M53 in Wirral this morning, Friday 29th September.

Just after 8am we received a report that a bus had struck a reservation around Junction 5 and overturned.

A 15-year-old girl and the bus driver sadly died following the collision. Their families are being supported by specially trained officers.

Post mortems will be carried out next week to establish the cause of death.

In total 58 people were involved in the incident.

That included two fatalities, two who were taken directly to Alder Hey and two taken to Arrowe Park from the scene.

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.

Junctions 3-5 of the M53 remain closed in both directions and will continue to remain closed for a considerable time while investigations continue and motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

The Birkenhead Tunnel will not close as scheduled at 9pm tonight (Friday) and will remain open while the M53 is closed.

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."

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or [email protected] or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.