Middlesbrough schools to close early for A66 crash funeral

Several schools in Middlesbrough are scheduled to close early this Friday due to anticipated traffic and transport disruption. The closures are in response to the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, one of five young men killed in a head-on collision on the A66 on August 22.

The fatal crash occurred when a Volkswagen Passat, which was being pursued by police, traveled the wrong way down a dual carriageway and struck a marked armed response vehicle. In addition to Mr. Matusiak, the collision claimed the lives of Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23, as well as police officers Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38.

Large crowds, including motorbikes and quad bikes, are expected to gather on Normanby Road in the South Bank area for the service. South Bank Primary School will close at 12pm to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, noting that the decision was made to mitigate the impact on families and staff. Outwood Academy in Normanby has also announced a midday closure following discussions between local headteachers and the council.