Driver, 14-year-old student killed in British school bus crash

Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A school bus driver and a 14-year-old girl were killed Friday in a crash in Britain that sent several other kids to hospitals, according to Merseyside Police.

Police said a total of 54 people including students from West Kriby and Calday elementary schools were on the bus with 50 taken to an emergency training center and eight of those transferred to hospitals after medical assessments.

The school bus operated by Wirral-based Carvers Coaches was traveling in a convoy with other buses on a regular 22-mile route on M53 from Chester to West Kirby.

M53 was closed in both directions between junctions five and four towards Liverpool.

Two fire engines and a search and rescue team responded to the scene.

"Firefighters stabilized the vehicle, ensured the scene was safe and assisted casualties exiting," MFRS Area Manager Mark Thomas said.

Investigators were working to determine the cause of the crash but it was believed that any other vehicle was involved in the incident.

Merseyside Police Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said Family Liason Officers would provide support to the families of the deceased and would work with both schools to provide "necessary trauma support" for the children on the bus.

Alison McGovern, a Labor Party MP for Wirral South said the news of the crash was "incredibly hard to bear."

"My heart goes out to their family and friends. I am also thinking of the loved ones of the driver of the vehicle and I am so sorry that this dreadful incident has happened," said McGovern.

Labor leader Keir Starmer also offered his condolences.

"My heart goes out to everyone affected by the tragic accident on the Wirral this morning. Unimaginably sad news," he said.