Ormskirk's Pontville School found itself in the centre of the media spotlight yesterday following the tragic double fatal on the M58 on Tuesday.

Police were still on duty at nine o' clock last night on Black Moss Lane and during the day there had been a steady stream of reporters and tv crews covering the story.

Said local MP MP Rosie Cooper: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the young boy and woman killed in yesterday’s car crash on the M58, and the others who were injured.

"Thanks to the emergency services for their response, and to the nurses and doctors involved.

“I have spoken with Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Constabulary since the incident.

"They are coordinating support to the families, friends and school involved, as well as investigating the cause of the accident and immediately making the junction safe for motorists.”

Justine Sims, head teacher, confirmed "with the deepest sadness" the deaths of "one young person and one member of staff on board the minibus".

A number of other people, including a man in his 60s, were seriously injured.
Mrs Sims said the minibus driver and three young people from the school were taken to hospital.

The teenager who died has not yet been named.

The HGV driver, a 31-year-old man from Chorley, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the crash at about 09:00 GMT.

Mrs Sims said she was "deeply shocked to learn of the terrible accident" and "our thoughts and sympathies are with the families of the deceased at this sad time".

"Our overriding priority is to provide help and support to classmates, colleagues and families of those involved in the accident as best we can," she said.