“Lots of parents then started turning up to pick up their kids who had rung them and told them what had happened.”

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Police and forensic officers attended the scene

Residents in Ashton-in-Makerfield have expressed their ‘shock’ after three high school children fell from the upper floor of a double decker bus. Emergency services were called to the incident on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield this afternoon (January 7).

The road was initially closed, and the air ambulance was called to the scene. The school children were rushed to hospital and have been left with ‘potentially serious’ injuries.

Speaking to the M.E.N about the incident, a woman who lives nearby, 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.”

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Police on the scene (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

Heavy traffic built up in the area as the road was closed for a short while, before it was opened again as traffic was managed by police officers. A cordon was placed around the bus involved, with forensics officers seen working in the area.

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.”

Greater Manchester Police say their investigations into the incident is in it’s ‘early stages’. TfGM has confirmed that it will be working closely with the police and the bus operator to support enquiries.

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.”

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GMP say they are investigating the circumstances that lead to the incident

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.”