A headteacher has issued a statement after three high school pupils fell from an upstairs window of a double decker bus in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan. The boys were taken to hospital with potentially serious injuries following the incident on Bolton Road yesterday afternoon.
Police launched an investigation and emergency services, including an air ambulance, were called to the scene just before 4pm. Pictures of the 950 service bus appear to show a side window on the top deck missing. The three boys are pupils at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Mark Dumican confirmed there were no life-threatening injuries and that the boys were being assessed in hospital. He said: 'Contrary to some reports, there are no life-threatening injuries, and all three boys have been assessed in hospital.' The school is offering support to pupils who witnessed the incident.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the fall 'appeared to be linked to some disturbance on the upper deck'. He added: 'It does sound like a serious incident... It would appear it was linked to some disturbance on the upper deck.' A spokesperson for Bolton-based Vision Bus, which operates the service, said the company is completing an investigation and assisting police.
Greater Manchester Police said their inquiries are in the early stages. Transport for Greater Manchester stated it would work closely with police and the bus operator to support the investigation.
