Full Breakdown
Middlesbrough Schools Close Early Ahead of Funeral for A66 Crash Victims
9/7/2026, 7:54:43 PM
Core Event: Early School Closures Linked to Funeral Procession
Four to six schools in Middlesbrough announced lunchtime closures on Friday and Monday to accommodate the funeral cortege for victims of a head-on collision on the A66. The closures were intended to reduce “congestion and transport disruption” as the procession moved along Ladgate Lane, Ormesby Road, Cargo Fleet Lane and Acklam Road. Outwood Academy Acklam, Newham Bridge Primary School, Acklam Whin Primary School and Green Lane School closed between 12:00 pm and 1:15 pm.
Background & Context
On August 22 a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway near South Bank struck a marked Cleveland Police armed-response vehicle. The crash killed five young men and two police officers. A funeral for one victim was held on September 4 at St John the Evangelist Church, with a second funeral scheduled for the following Monday afternoon.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 7 (5 civilians, 2 police officers).
- Schools closing early (Friday): South Bank Primary School (12:00 pm), Outwood Academy Acklam (12:15 pm), Newham Bridge Primary School (1:00 pm), Acklam Whin Primary School (1:15 pm), Green Lane School (1:15 pm).
- Expected traffic impact: Residents were warned of possible congestion between approximately 1 pm and 4 pm on September 7.
Official Statements & Responses
Cleveland Police Superintendent John Wrintmore said the closures were not recommended by police and that authorities were managing traffic. Education Secretary Lucy Powell emphasized that headteachers were trusted to make safety-related judgments. Middlesbrough Council confirmed each school decided after assessing impact on pupils, staff and families, and that the council worked with transport providers to mitigate disruption.
Criticism & Opposition
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the closures as “obscene” and a “kick in the teeth” to police officers, accusing the Labour government of allowing “gang violence” to dictate daily life.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are aware of some school closures in the area and have liaised with partners in the local authorities regarding the expected disruption today. Again, these closures have not been made on recommendation by Cleveland Police.” — Superintendent John Wrintmore, Cleveland Police
- “We recognise that early closure may cause inconvenience for some parents and carers, and we thank them for their understanding and co-operation.” — Education Secretary Lucy Powell
Why It Matters
The closures illustrate the tension between community safety during high-profile funerals and the government’s policy of keeping schools open, highlighting how local authorities, police and national politicians negotiate responsibility for public-order decisions after a tragic crash.
What’s Next
Police indicated that similar policing arrangements will be used for additional funerals expected the following week, and schools will continue to assess the need for early closures on a case-by-case basis.
