A busy Wigan road has been closed after a 'serious' crash which left four people in hospital
Four people have been taken to hospital and four others suffered minor injuries after a “serious” crash close to two Wigan schools.
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, rushed to Warrington Road, Ashton on Wednesday afternoon after a collision involving two vehicles.
The road was shut in both directions as they worked and both Byrchall High School and St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School were reportedly “locked down” following the incident.
A police spokesman said: “We are currently responding to a collision on Warrington Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, with partners from other emergency services in attendance.
“Four people have been taken to hospital and initial enquiries are ongoing at the scene.
“We thank people for their patience as road closures are currently in place.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At around 1pm this afternoon, three fire engines from Wigan and Leigh fire stations and two enhanced rescue units from Leigh and Ashton fire stations attended a crash involving five vehicles on Warrington Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield.
“Firefighters arrived quickly and helped to remove four people from vehicles before they were conveyed to Aintree and Salford Royal hospital by North West Ambulance Service. Crews used a thermal imaging camera to make the area safe and departed after roughly an hour and a half in attendance."
A Wigan Council spokesman said: “Greater Manchester Police are currently responding to a collision on Warrington Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield.
“There are road closures in place so please avoid the area if possible.”
Ashton councillor Danny Fletcher posted on Facebook: “There’s been a serious RTC on Warrington Road near Byrchall/St Edmund Arrowsmith.
"Emergency services are on scene and roads closed whilst they deal with it. Expect to be open very soon. But for now please avoid that area.
"Importantly police have confirmed there’s no wider risk to the public. The schools were locked down purely to support the emergency response.”
A post on Byrchall High School’s Facebook page said: “All of our students are safe and well; however, there has been a road traffic accident on Warrington Road outside the front of the school. This situation is being managed by emergency services, who are on site, and the road is currently closed in both directions.”
While there were initially difficulties for some pupils travelling home, a later update from the school said that had been resolved.
It said: “All of our students are safely making their way home.
“Today has been a difficult day for all of our community, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by today's events.
“We are very grateful to our students, families and to the many staff who came together to help and support each other and those involved.
“School will be open as normal tomorrow.”