Children hurt as school buses crash

Children and staff were treated for shock

More than 100 schoolchildren and several staff have been taken to hospital following a collision between two school buses and a lorry.

The accident happened at about 1000 BST on Tuesday in Lydiate near Southport, Merseyside.

Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust said 101 primary school children and 18 adults had been taken to Ormskirk accident and emergency.

A statement said 22 of the children from St Teresa's Junior School, Norris Green, had been treated for minor injuries.

All involved were taken to hospital as a precaution

Headteacher Michael Robb travelled to hospital to be with the pupils who had been on a school trip to Southport.

He said: "The whole school is relieved that most of the children travelling on the buses were unhurt.

"Those who were injured thankfully only suffered minor injuries such as cuts, sprains and bruises.

"The staff travelling with the children responded magnificently. They acted very quickly.

"They helped keep the children calm and supported them at the accident scene and the hospital."

Slow speeds

The NHS trust statement said those not treated were transferred to Southport hospital before discharge.

A spokesman said: "Normal procedures were implemented. This was not classed as a major incident and it is anticipated that those passengers who sustained minor injuries will be discharged throughout the day."

Six paramedic ambulances and three patient transport vehicles were sent to the accident outside Lydiate Parish Church, Southport Road.

A coach was also used to transfer children and adults to hospital.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside police said: "The two buses were driving at very slow speeds and we believe at this stage that one collided with the back of the other one."