Stephen Shrimpton was a 40-year-old man who was the driver of a school bus which struck a reservation and overturned on the M53 in Wirral on Friday (29 September 2023). The accident led to the death of the driver Stephen Shrimpton and another passenger named Jessica Baker. Four others were taken to hospital for treatment, including a 14-year-old boy with life-changing injuries. They remain in a stable condition.
How Did the M53 school bus crash Occur?
According to multiple media reports, a school bus struck a reservation and overturned on the M53 in Wirral on Friday (29 September 2023). The driver behind the while was Stephen Shrimpton. He passed away in the accident. Another passenger named Jessica Baker also died. According to reports, 13 other passengers also suffered minor injuries.
Who was Stephen Shrimpton?
Stephen Shrimpton was a 40-year-old man who was the driver of a school bus which struck a reservation and overturned on the M53 in Wirral on Friday (29 September 2023). His family, in a statement released through the police, remembered him as a “loving husband and father.” They described Stephen as a caring and selfless individual who consistently prioritized the well-being of others over his own. The family requested privacy during this profoundly devastating time.
The accident led to the death of a young girl aged 15. Four others were taken to hospital for treatment, including a 14-year-old boy with life-changing injuries. They remain in a stable condition. According to reports, 13 other passengers also suffered minor injuries.
A crowdfunding page was set up to cover the costs of Stephen’s funeral, and his sister-in-law, Emily, noted that he had been dealing with medical issues while operating the bus. The fundraising campaign had exceeded its £6,000 target, raising just over £9,000 by late Saturday morning.
Barbara Flynn-Southern, a director at The Port Grocery CIC, a charity where Stephen worked, praised him as “an all-around good guy” who would be dearly missed by many. During the initial COVID lockdown, he volunteered as a driver for the charity and eventually became a full-time employee, delivering food to and supporting vulnerable individuals in the local community. His dedication extended beyond his role as a driver, as he cared for the people he served.
Det Sgt Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police, said: “The families of Stephen and Jessica are being supported by specially trained officers and we are working with both schools and Wirral and Cheshire West Councils to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children who were affected.”
Supt Sabi Kaur described it as a “truly horrific incident” and appealed for witnesses and anyone with footage to contact police.
