Three schoolboys have been taken to hospital with potentially serious injuries after falling from the upper deck of a double-decker bus in Greater Manchester.
Emergency Stop Leads to Fall
The incident occurred on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, on the afternoon of Wednesday, 7 January 2026. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the accident happened shortly before 4pm, after the bus made an emergency stop.
A police spokesperson stated: "We believe the three children fell after leaning on an emergency exit window." The force has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall.
Pupils Rushed to Hospital
The three boys, two aged 13 and one aged 14, are all pupils at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School in Wigan. They were transported to hospital for assessment and treatment.
In a letter sent to parents, headteacher Mark Dumican sought to reassure the school community. "Contrary to some reports, there are no life-threatening injuries, and all three boys have been assessed in hospital," he wrote. The school is offering support to pupils who witnessed the traumatic event.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
Pictures from the scene show the side window on the top deck of the 950 service bus completely missing, with shattered glass covering the pavement below. The bus was operated by Bolton-based Vision Bus.
A spokesperson for the company said it is "completing an investigation and helping the police with their inquiries." Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is also involved, working closely with both the operator and police.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham commented that the fall appeared linked to "some disturbance on the upper deck" and confirmed the service was not part of the Bee Network. He expressed concern for the young people and their families.
In his letter, Mr Dumican urged parents to reinforce a critical safety message: pupils must sit in a seat for their entire journey if they choose to use the top deck of a bus.
