Tragic teen girl, 15, thrown from coach before it fell on her in horror M53 crash that also killed driver, inquest told
A TEEN girl died when the coach she was in fell on her after she was flung from it in a horror crash that also killed the driver, an inquest heard.
Jessica Baker, 15, and Stephen Shrimpton, 40, were in the school bus when it overturned on the M53 last Friday.
An inquest into the pair’s deaths today heard how Jessica was ejected from the coach before it fell on her.
Coroner André Rebello said the teen likely died from a head injury.
The hearing was also told driver Stephen was also seen to “slump” at the wheel moments before the crash.
The horror unfolded at around 8am on Friday when the bus, carrying pupils from West Kirby Grammar School and Calday Grange Grammar School, hit the central reservation and overturned.
Students were forced to climb through smashed windows as emergency crews swarmed the scene.
Around 58 people were involved in the crash near junction five at Hooton, Cheshire, with four children taken to hospital.
One, a 14-year-old boy, suffered life-changing injuries but is now in a stable condition.
Tributes flooded in for Jessica, who was a talented climber, following the tragedy.
Her family said: “Jessica was a warm-hearted, wonderful daughter, granddaughter and niece, devoted sister and loyal friend.
“At the age of 15, just starting Year 11 at West Kirby Grammar School, where her focus was not just on academic work but also sports, representing the school at many events.
“Her untimely death has led to a massive void in our lives that will never be filled.
“She will be missed by many, from not only school but also the climbing community across the country.”
Stephen’s sister-in-law Emily Church claimed he suffered a “medical issue” while behind the wheel.
His family said: “Stephen was a loving husband and father to his wife and his wonderful children, a caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritise others over himself.
“Stephen will be sadly missed by all his friends and family.”