- Fatal Wirral Bus Crash
- Driver’s CCTV Footage
- Miraculous Survival
A senior coroner has stated that CCTV footage shows the driver, Stephen Shrimpton, slumping to his side as the coach collided. The fact that only Mr. Shrimpton and a 15-year-old girl perished is “miraculous”; no one else sustained injuries.
The Liverpool Coroner’s Court heard that a driver experienced an “event” at the wheel before a fatal school bus crash on the M53 in Wirral, which claimed the lives of him and 15-year-old Jessica Baker.
On Friday, a bus driven by Stephen Shrimpton, 40, carrying 54 passengers to West Kirby Grammar School and Calday Grange Grammar School overturned.
Andre Rebello, the senior coroner for Liverpool and the Wirral, stated that CCTV footage from the interior of the coach showed Mr. Shrimpton slumping to the left while operating the vehicle.
Simultaneously, the coach exited the roadway, climbed an embankment, and rolled onto its side.
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Jessica died “instantaneously” due to “catastrophic” injuries, though the precise circumstances surrounding her death are subject to an ongoing police investigation.
Mr. Rebello believes Jessica’s death was caused by a severe head injury, pending further medical results.
He said Jessica was “partially ejected” and hit by the bus, producing “certainly instantaneous fatal head injuries.”
Mr. Rebello stated that it was “miraculous” that no one else perished.
“At approximately 8:03 a.m., a road traffic incident occurred in which a northbound coach collided with the nearside embankment and rolled over, causing fatal injury, life-changing injury, serious injury, and numerous minor injuries,” he said.
“Given the severity of the collision, it is a miracle that more people did not perish.
“The court has been briefed by the road collision unit investigation and the CCTV footage within the coach.
“It is fairly evident that the driver has suffered an incident, as he is observed slumping to his left, and it is at this time that the vehicle leaves the roadway.”
Mr. Rebello said more tests will be needed to determine Mr. Shrimpton’s cardiac condition-related death.
Bags are scattered everywhere.
A teenager on the bus said that they were all “chatting” on their phones when “suddenly, nothing seemed real.”
“As I surveyed my surroundings, I saw nothing but individuals lying on the ground. Sunday, an anonymous student remarked that there are bags everywhere.
“Glass can be found everywhere. And it appears to be blood everywhere. I’ve seen both of my friends lying on the ground, but I assumed they were deceased.
“After another glance around, I noticed a girl standing next to me. I covered my face with my hand out of astonishment. I remember looking back at my hand and seeing that it was covered in blood and saying, “This can’t be my blood.”
An injured 14-year-old child was transported to the hospital by Merseyside Police, who characterised his injuries as “life-changing.”
Thirteen more received treatment for minor injuries before being discharged.
Mr. Shrimpton was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8:50 a.m., and his wife, Tania Shrimpton, formally identified him.
Jessica was also pronounced deceased at the scene at 9:01 a.m., and her father, a nurse, identified her.
Clarity regarding seatbelts is required.
Mr. Rebello said anyone over 14 must wear a seat belt, but coach and bus regulations needed clarity.
He stated that he intends to contact the Department of Transportation for additional information.
“I am old enough to recall the Tufty Club, the Green Cross Code, and the public service announcements about ‘Clunk Click every trip,'” he continued.
“And clearly, because I am now considered very old, I suspect there are generations who have never seen these public information films and may not be fully aware that the chances of severe injury or fatal injury are so much reduced by wearing a seat belt.”
The full inquest will be held on March 20 of next year.
