Three teenagers were hospitalized after falling from a double-decker bus in Wigan. The incident occurred on January 7, 2024, when the boys, aged 13 and 14, reportedly leaned against an emergency exit window as the bus made an emergency stop. They were transported to a local hospital, where their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The emergency services responded promptly to the scene on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield shortly before 16:00. According to a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police, the boys were pupils at nearby St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School. The school community has been shaken by the incident, prompting a letter from headteacher Mark Dumican to parents, reassuring them that support is being offered to affected students.
Investigation Underway
The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall. Images from the scene indicate that the bus, part of the 950 service, may have a missing window on the upper deck. The spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police stated, “We believe the bus made an emergency stop while travelling down Bolton Road, causing the three children to fall after leaning on the emergency exit window. We are continuing to investigate this incident.”
In his comments, Mayor Andy Burnham suggested that the incident may be linked to a disturbance on the upper deck of the bus. He expressed concern for the young individuals and their families and confirmed that there were no life-threatening injuries.
Support for Students and Families
In the aftermath of the incident, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School is engaging with the families of the boys. The headteacher emphasized the importance of safety on public transport, urging all parents to remind their children that they must remain seated while using the upper deck of a bus.
“Contrary to some reports, there are no life-threatening injuries, and all three boys have been assessed in the hospital,” Dumican stated in his letter to parents. The school also extended support to students who witnessed the fall and may need to discuss their feelings about the event.
The bus company, Vision Bus, is cooperating with the police investigation and conducting its own inquiry into the incident. A spokesperson from the company confirmed their commitment to ensuring passenger safety and stated that they are working to gather all necessary details related to the event.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the injured teenagers and their families during this difficult time.
