Middlesbrough Schools Close Early for A66 Crash Funeral Amid Safety Fears

Several schools in Middlesbrough are implementing early closures today, Friday, due to anticipated transport disruption and safety concerns surrounding the funeral of one of the young men tragically killed in a head-on collision on the A66. The decision has sparked both understanding and condemnation within the community.

The funeral service is for Jakub Matusiak, 23, also known as Jacob, who was a passenger in the Volkswagen Passat involved in the fatal August 22 crash. This collision occurred when the car, which had been pursued by police, was driven the wrong way down the dual-carriageway, striking a marked armed response vehicle.

The incident tragically claimed the lives of Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, alongside Mr Matusiak and three other young men: Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23.

Four schools are scheduled to shut their doors at lunchtime.

South Bank Primary School, for instance, will close at 12pm, with Head Teacher Tammy Cooper explaining the decision on Facebook.

She cited expected

large numbers of people in the area which will inevitably cause congestion and transport disruption,

emphasizing the need "to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils." Cooper acknowledged the inconvenience but thanked families for their understanding.

However, the move has drawn criticism, notably from shadow education secretary Laura Trott, who labeled the decision as "wrong." Crowds, motorbikes, and quad bikes are expected to gather in the Normanby Road area of South Bank for the funeral, contributing to the traffic and public safety concerns raised by the schools.

This early closure highlights the significant impact of the tragic A66 incident on the local community, as arrangements are made to accommodate the funeral while prioritizing public safety, particularly for schoolchildren.

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