One person has suffered "major trauma-related injuries" after a school bus overturned on the M53 this morning.
A spokesperson for North West Ambulance service confirmed that so far, a woman has been taken to hospital in a serious condition. There are around 50 other patients, believed to be school children, who are being assessed at the scene.
Emergency services revealed that the crash involved a coach and a car on the motorway from J5 A41 New Chester Road (Eastham) to J4 A5137 Brimstage Road (Bebington). Merseyside police said the school coach hit a reservation and overturned.
READ MORE: Live updates as crash closes M53 with reports school bus involved
Pupils from both Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar are believed to be involved. The fire service confirmed that there are "a number of causalities".
A spokesperson for North West Ambulance Service said: "NWAS has declared a major incident following a road traffic collision between a coach and a car on the M53 northbound at approximately 8.30 this morning.
"The trust dispatched a large number of resources to the scene, including ambulances, advanced paramedics, our Hazardous Area Response Team and a HEMS doctor.
"So far, one female patient has been taken to the hospital, suffering major trauma-related injuries. There are also nearly 50 other patients being assessed at the scene. We are working closely with our incident partners to convey people away from the scene as quickly as possible."
A spokesperson for Merseyside fire and rescue service said: "Fire crews have been called to the scene of a road traffic collision between junctions 5 and 4 of the M53 on the northbound carriageway this morning. Two fire engines and the Search and Rescue Team are in attendance.
"Crews were alerted at 8.05am and on scene at 8.16am. Crews arrived at the scene to find an overturned bus with a number of casualties. North West Ambulance and Merseyside Police are also in attendance. The incident is ongoing and the carriageway will remain closed for some time."
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that emergency services are on the M53 in Hooton following a collision involving a bus on the motorway. Just after 8am we received a report that a bus had struck a reservation on Junction 5 of the M53.
"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. Enquiries are ongoing and updates will be issued as soon as possible.
"Please note this incident is ongoing and we are urging people to refrain from speculating or publishing any sensitive information that could be distressing online or via social media platforms. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage or CCTV is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC quoting 23000944471."
You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/
Calday Grange Grammar School has issued a statement following the crash this morning. The school 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. Support is available. If you need to talk or seek guidance, please reach out to our teaching and pastoral teams."
Local councillor for Upton By Chester, Sherin Akhtar, said: "I can confirm and am aware of an accident on the M53 this morning going towards the Wirral/ Birkenhead. It involves a Carvers coach ( W3) travelling to Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar school for girls.
"Whilst this is a live situation, I would like to assure residents that I am working on their behalf and offer support and will endeavour to update, as soon as possible. I am aware that children are being taken to Arrowe Park as precautionary."