Full Breakdown
Schools Close Early Ahead of A66 Crash Funerals in Middlesbrough
9/8/2026, 1:14:16 AM
Core Event: Early School Closures Linked to Funeral Processions
Seven people died when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough collided with a marked Cleveland Police vehicle in the early hours of August 22. The victims were five young men—Jakub Matusiak 23, Cole Worthy 17, Theo Rae 17, Makai Saddington 18 and Michael Cahill 23—and two police officers, PC Matthew Blades 37 and PC Tom Clough 38.
In the days that followed, funerals attracted large crowds and prompted local authorities to anticipate traffic disruption. Four schools announced early closures on September 7 for the funeral of Theo Rae at Teesside Crematorium, and on September 4 for the funeral of Jakub Matusiak at St John the Evangelist Church.
Background & Context
Police warned that motorbikes, quad-bikes and large numbers of mourners would converge on Normanby Road and surrounding streets during the processions. Cleveland Police identified four routes likely to be affected: Ladgate Lane, Ormesby Road, Cargo Fleet Lane and Acklam Road.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 7 (5 civilians, 2 police officers).
- Schools closing early on September 7:
- Acklam Whin Primary School – 1:15 pm
- Green Lane School, Acklam – 1:15 pm
- Outwood Academy Acklam – 12:15 pm
- Newham Bridge Primary School – 1:00 pm
- Anticipated traffic disruption window: approximately 1 pm – 4 pm.
Official Statements & Responses
Cleveland Police Superintendent John Wrintmore emphasized that the police did not order any school closures, noting that decisions were made by individual organisations after local risk assessments. He added that a “proportionate visible police presence” would be maintained during the funerals.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell told BBC Radio 4’s *Today* programme that she trusted headteachers to make judgments necessary to keep their school communities safe, while urging that schools remain open wherever possible.
Criticism & Opposition
Conservative MP Laura Trott, acting as shadow education secretary, described the closures as “wrong” and argued that schools should stay open for learning.
Education minister Kemi Badenoch used her X account to call the repeated closures “obscene” and a “kick in the teeth” for police and families, accusing Powell of failing to intervene.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cleveland Police statements stressed that they had not instructed schools to close, whereas several local councils and headteachers announced closures independently. The discrepancy highlights a gap in coordinated communication for large public events.
What’s Next
Funerals for the remaining Passat passengers are scheduled for September 8 (Makai Saddington, 11 am) and September 9 (Cole Worthy, 12 noon) at St Bede’s Chapel, Teesside Crematorium. Local authorities say any further school closures will be announced case-by-case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This decision has been reached after careful consideration of the potential impact on pupils, staff and families travelling to and from the school.” — Outwood Academy Acklam
- “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
- “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
