17 people hospitalised after bus full of footie fans overturns
The minibus was carrying fans of South Shields FC returning from a match.
Seventeen people have been rushed to hospital after a multi-vehicle crash involving a minibus carrying football fans in West Yorkshire.
The collision happened around 7pm on the A1M near Pontefract last night, West Yorkshire Police said.
The Iris minibus overturned on the northbound carriageway near junction 40 during the collision involving a black Skoda Fabia.
The minibus was carrying fans of South Shields FC returning from a match, it is understood.
Seven of the passengers were said to have been seriously injured.
A third vehicle is believed to be involved – a white car, which the force said has not yet been identified.
South Shields FC said on X: ‘Our thoughts go out to the supporters involved in a crash on the way home from today’s game.
‘At this moment of time we have no further details, however we hope everyone is safe and recovering.’
South Shields lost 3-2 to Tamworth, in the penultimate match of the Vanarama National League North season on Saturday at the Staffordshire club’s Lamb Ground.
A video posted on social media, purportedly taken at the scene, showed a damaged minibus on its side on the hard shoulder of the carriageway.
Parts of the motorway were closed until Sunday morning as emergency services, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance, attended the scene.
Police said: ‘Inquiries into the circumstances regarding the collision remain ongoing with officers from the roads policing unit.
‘Anyone with information including dashcam footage relating to the collision or the unidentified white car, who has not yet spoken to the police, is asked to contact the roads policing unit.’
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