Three teenagers, aged 13 and 14, fell from a double-decker bus in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Greater Manchester, during an emergency stop on January 7, 2024. The boys were reportedly leaning against an emergency exit window when the bus made a sudden halt, leading to their fall. They are currently receiving treatment in hospital, but their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The incident took place shortly before 16:00 local time on Bolton Road. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were deployed to the scene. Images from the incident show a missing window on the upper deck of the bus, raising concerns about safety measures in place.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed the details of the incident, stating, “We believe the bus made an emergency stop while travelling down Bolton Road and the three children fell after leaning on an emergency exit window. We are continuing to investigate this incident.”
All three boys are students at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School. In a letter addressed to parents, headteacher Mark Dumican expressed concern and provided reassurance about the boys’ conditions. He stated, “Contrary to some reports, there are no life-threatening injuries, and all three boys have been assessed in hospital.” The school administration is in contact with the families to offer necessary support.
Dumican emphasized the importance of safety on school transportation, urging parents to remind their children to remain seated while using the top deck of buses. He noted, “We are working with the police and with Vision Bus Company to determine the circumstances that led to this incident.”
The fall has drawn attention from local officials, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who referred to the incident as “serious” and linked it to a disturbance on the bus’s upper deck. Burnham stated, “Our concern is with the young people and with their families.” He clarified that the bus involved was not part of the Bee Network service.
A representative from Vision Bus Company confirmed that they are cooperating with police as an investigation into the incident is underway. The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fall.
The community has expressed support for the affected families, and the school has offered counseling to students who witnessed the incident. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation as investigations proceed.
