Bishops from the Diocese of Chester have published a prayer and a message of condolence for those involved in Friday's fatal school coach crash on the M53.
Two people lost their lives when the bus, carrying dozens of school children, overturned on the motorway in Cheshire. Several children were taken to hospital following the incident. On Friday police named 15-year old Jessica Baker as one of those who was killed. The family of the driver, 40-year-old Stephen Shrimpton, who also died, have described him as a "loving husband and father". An investigation is underway into the circumstances leaading up to the crash. It's believed the vehicle was travelling in convoy, and that school children in the other buses witnessed the crash.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Bishop Mark Tanner along with the Rt Rev Julie Conalty, Bishop of Birkenhead, and Sam Corley, Bishop of Stockport, issued a joint message, saying:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those involved in the major traffic incident this morning, involving an overturned school bus on the M53 motorway in Wirral. The three Bishops for the Diocese of Chester, in which the incident has taken place offer the following prayer:
God of grace and compassion we pray for all caught up in this incident, for their families and friends and for all who care for them.
Surround each with your peace, your protection, your healing and your guidance.
We ask in Jesus' name.
Amen"
