Full Breakdown
Schools Close Early in Middlesbrough Ahead of Funeral for A66 Crash Victim
9/4/2026, 8:00:58 PM
Core Event
On September 4 a funeral for 23-year-old Jakub Matusiak – one of five young men killed when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way collided with a police vehicle on the A66 on August 22 – prompted the early closure of several schools in the South Bank area of Middlesbrough. Headteachers, working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, announced a midday shutdown to avoid “congestion and transport disruption” from crowds gathering for the service.
Background & Context
The A66 collision claimed seven lives: the five Passat occupants (Matusiak, Michael Cahill, Makai Saddington, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy) and two Cleveland Police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. Police have linked the crash to “serious and organised criminal activity.”
Official Statements & Responses
- Cleveland Police said the school closures were not a police recommendation and that a “proportionate visible police presence” would be deployed during the funeral.
- The council noted coordination with transport providers and acknowledged that the early shutdown might inconvenience some parents.
Criticism & Opposition
- Laura Trott, Tory education spokesman, called the closures “unacceptable” and urged the education minister to intervene, stating: “You have a duty to ensure that this does not impact on the honest and decent pupils, parents and teachers in the area.”
- Cllr Brown added: “Our children should be able to attend school safely and without their education being affected by events happening elsewhere.”
Data & Statistics
- Reports differ on the number of schools closing: the Independent and local outlets cite four schools (South Bank Primary, Archway Academy, St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary, and Outwood Academy Normanby); the Daily Mail mentions six, adding the Mackenzie Thorpe Centre.
- Anticipated traffic disruption was forecast for 15:00–17:00 on funeral day, affecting Normanby Road, Teesville, Ormesby, Marton and Acklam Road.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Number of schools: four versus six closures.
- Exact closure times: some sources list 12:00 pm, others 11:45 am (Archway Academy) or 12:15 pm (St Margaret Clitherow’s).
- No official crowd-size figure has been released; only “large numbers of people” are expected.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We recognise the inconvenience this may cause and thank our families for their understanding and co-operation.” — Tammy Cooper, headteacher
Why It Matters
The early closures illustrate the tension between community mourning and the continuity of education. Authorities must balance public safety, the right to mourn, and the need to keep children in school.
What’s Next
No further school closures have been announced pending the outcome of the funeral proceedings.
