Three schoolchildren have been rushed to hospital after falling through the window of a double decker bus in Greater Manchester.
Emergency services were called to the incident on Bolton Road in Ashton–in–Makerfield yesterday afternoon.
The schoolchildren, two aged 13 and one aged 14 were rushed to hospital, with police saying they were being treated for ‘potentially serious’ injuries.
Officers said three secondary school pupils fell ‘through a window on the top deck of a school bus’ on Bolton Road at around 3.50pm.
Heavy traffic built up in the area as the road was closed while a cordon was placed around the bus involved, with forensics officers seen working in the area and an air ambulance was also called to the scene.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said last night their investigation into the incident is in its ‘early stages’.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that it will be working closely with the police and the bus operator to support enquiries.
The Police said three high school pupils fell ‘through a window on the top deck of a school bus’ on Bolton Road at around 3.50pm
The school children were rushed to hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening but have been described as ‘potentially serious’
A spokesperson for GMP said: ‘Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident in Ashton–in–Makerfield this evening (Wednesday 7 January 2026).
‘Three high school children have fallen through a window on the top deck of a school bus on Bolton Road. They have all been taken to hospital and have potentially serious injuries.
‘The road has reopened after emergency services teams have conducted their initial enquiries.
‘The investigation is in its early stages and work is underway to determine the full circumstances of this incident.’
In an updated statement, the GMP said: ‘Following on from the incident regarding three school children falling from a bus in Ashton in Makerfield, we can confirm that they are still in hospital but not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.
‘We believe the bus made an emergency stop whilst travelling down Bolton Road and the three children, two aged 13 and one aged 14, fell after leaning on an emergency exit window.
‘We are continuing to investigate this incident.’
A headteacher has issued a statement after three high school pupils fell from an upstairs window of a double decker bus.
Police and forensic officers attend the scene involving a bus and three school children
The three boys were pupils at nearby St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School. In a letter to parents today, which has been shared with the M.E.N. headteacher Mark Dumican wrote there were ‘no life-threatening injuries’ and that the boys were being ‘assessed in hospital’.
He added: ‘You may have seen reports in the media and social media about an incident where three boys fell through a window on the top deck of a bus on the way home from school on Bolton Road yesterday. The pupils attend our school, and we are in contact with the families to offer our support.
‘We are also offering support to those pupils in school today who witnessed the incident and would like the opportunity to speak about it. Contrary to some reports, there are no life-threatening injuries, and all three boys have been assessed in hospital.
‘We are working with the police and with Vision Bus Company to determine the circumstances that led to this incident. Could all parents please reinforce our message in school that pupils must sit in a seat for their journey if they choose to use the top deck of a bus.
‘Thank you for your continued support, which is always greatly appreciated.’
A TfGM spokesperson said: ‘At around 3.50pm this afternoon we received reports of an incident involving a school bus service on Bolton Road, Ashton–in–Makerfield.
‘We understand that three children onboard have since been taken to hospital. Our thoughts are with those injured and we want to wish them a speedy recovery.
‘Emergency services remain at the scene, and we are working closely with the bus operator in supporting police with their enquiries into 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.
‘Our concern is with the young people and with their families. It was not a Bee Network branded service, I have to say.
‘It would appear it was linked to some disturbance on the upper deck. I do not think there are any life-threatening injuries but there were some serious injuries.’
One woman who lives near the scene said: ‘I looked out and there were three ambulances, I don’t know how many police cars, paramedic cars. Two buses with their hazards on. Police were stopping the traffic.
‘It was obvious something serious had happened, but I was none the wiser at that point.
‘I came out and spoke to some of the kids who were stood around. They told me that the window at the top fell through and three kids fell out after it.
‘Lots of parents then started turning up to pick up their kids who had rung them and told them what had happened.
‘It’s a shame.’
Another neighbour added: ‘I came up Bolton Road about half 4, quarter to five, and the road was shut off and I had to divert. It took me about 45 minutes to travel a few hundred yards.
‘I heard three kids were involved. It’s devastating. Shocking.’
Councillor Danny Fletcher, of Ashton–on–Makerfield South ward, posted on Facebook and said some of the children had suffered potentially life–changing injuries.
‘I’ve spoken with our policing team this afternoon, said Fletcher.
‘As we know, three young people have fallen from a top floor side window of a school bus and have been taken to Manchester Children’s Hospital, some with potentially life–changing injuries.
‘The road has now reopened after investigations have taken place.
‘I’ve contacted the schools involved to ensure they have council support if needed. Sending my thoughts and all my love to the kids and families involved.’
