A number of schools in Middlesbrough will close early on Friday as the first funeral for one of five young men killed in a head-on crash on the A66 takes place
Several schools in Middlesbrough will be closing early on Friday due to the first funeral for one of five young lads tragically killed in a head-on collision on the A66.
At least four schools have announced they’ll be shutting their doors at lunchtime as “large numbers of people” are anticipated to flock to the area, leading to “congestion and traffic disruption”.
The funeral is believed to be for Jakub Matusiak, also known as Jacob, who was one of the five young men killed when a Volkswagen Passat collided with a marked police car while travelling the wrong way down a dual carriageway. The funeral is at St John’s in South Bank.
Mr Matusiak, 23; Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23, were declared dead at the scene.
The two police officers in the other vehicle: Pc Matthew Blades, 37; and Pc Tom Clough, 38; also tragically lost their lives in the incident.
South Bank Primary School stated it would be closing at 12pm on Friday “to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils”.
In a message shared on social media, head teacher Tammy Cooper said: “A funeral is being held locally at St John’s church on Normanby Road that day and we are expecting large numbers of people in the area which will inevitably cause congestion and transport disruption in the immediate area.
“This decision has been reached after careful consideration of the potential impact on the departure of pupils, staff and families.
“We recognise the inconvenience this may cause and thank our families for their understanding and co-operation.”
Ms Cooper said the school also acknowledges “some pupils may feel upset or anxious about the funeral taking place locally” and confirmed the pastoral team would be on hand to provide support.
In a letter to parents, Mark Robinson, principal of Outwood Academy in Normanby, said the school would also shut from midday following discussions between local headteachers and the council.
Other schools closing including St. Peter’s Catholic College (12pm) and St. Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School (12.15pm).
A vigil for Mr Cahill last week sparked condemnation from MPs and police after a mob torched several vehicles in Haswell, County Durham.
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