SCHOOLS SHUT EARLY AS MIDDLESBROUGH BRACES FOR A66 CRASH VICTIM’S FUNERAL — CROWDS, BIKES AND TRAFFIC FEARS SPARK ALARM

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND — Four schools are closing early as Middlesbrough braces for the funeral of a 23-year-old man who was among seven people killed in the devastating A66 crash.

The unusual decision comes as large crowds, motorbikes and quad bikes are expected to gather around South Bank for the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, also known as Jacob.

Authorities say the main concern is congestion and transport disruption.

But the decision has also triggered a political row, with a senior Conservative politician questioning why children should have to leave school early because of events surrounding the funeral.

FOUR SCHOOLS TO CLOSE

The funeral is due to take place at St John the Evangelist Church on Normanby Road in South Bank.

Because of the expected crowds, at least four schools in the area have announced early closures on Friday, September 4.

South Bank Primary School is closing at noon, while Outwood Academy Normanby is also shutting from midday.

Other schools affected include Archway Academy in Teesville, which is due to close at 11:45 a.m., and St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School, which is scheduled to close at 12:15 p.m.

South Bank Primary headteacher Tammy Cooper said the decision was made after considering the likely impact on pupils, staff and families leaving the school.

She also acknowledged that some children could feel upset or anxious about the funeral taking place nearby.

The school said its pastoral team would be available to support pupils who needed help.

“LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE” EXPECTED

The local authority said the early closures were linked to anticipated congestion and transport disruption rather than a new incident.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said schools had worked with the authority and transport providers to consider how pupils could safely travel home.

Cleveland Police also warned that delays could affect several surrounding areas as traffic-management plans are put in place.

The expected disruption includes South Bank, Normanby Road through Teesville, Ormesby, Marton and Acklam Road.

For local families, that means a funeral could affect school schedules, buses and ordinary journeys across a much wider area.

WHY IS JAKUB’S FUNERAL DRAWING SUCH A CROWD?

Jakub Matusiak was one of five young men travelling in a Volkswagen Passat involved in the August 22 A66 crash.

The vehicle was travelling the wrong way along the dual carriageway when it collided head-on with a marked police car.

Jakub, 23, was pronounced dead alongside Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23.

The two police officers in the other vehicle, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, also died.

The tragedy has since triggered intense public attention across Middlesbrough and surrounding communities.

And previous memorial events have added to concerns about what could happen when large crowds gather.

PREVIOUS MEMORIALS CAUSED ALARM

A vigil connected to Michael Cahill last week attracted criticism after several vehicles were set on fire in Haswell, County Durham.

Another memorial gathering connected to Jakub reportedly attracted a crowd of around 200 people, with rockets and orange smoke seen during the event.

The scenes have raised concerns among officials about the possibility of further disruption during Friday’s funeral.

The Sun reported that motorbikes and quad bikes were expected to gather around Normanby Road.

However, officials have stressed the practical concerns surrounding the school closures — particularly traffic, transport and pupil safety.

POLITICAL BACKLASH

The decision to close schools early has already become a political issue.

Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticized the move and urged Education Secretary Lucy Powell to intervene.

Trott argued that children should not lose classroom time because of disorder or criminal behavior in their community.

She called on authorities to ensure that schools could remain open safely while those responsible for unlawful behavior were held accountable.

The criticism comes amid wider concerns about serious crime in Middlesbrough following the A66 tragedy.

But schools and local officials say the decision was made primarily to protect pupils and manage the practical difficulties expected around the funeral.

POLICE PRESENCE HAS BEEN INCREASED

The A66 crash has led to a significant police response in the region.

Around 200 additional officers from outside Cleveland Police have been brought in to help deal with serious and organized crime concerns.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also announced an additional £2 million in funding for Cleveland Police following a series of incidents in and around Middlesbrough.

Police have also been investigating the circumstances surrounding the A66 crash itself.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is examining the circumstances surrounding the police response and pursuit before the collision.

That investigation remains ongoing.

A COMMUNITY CAUGHT BETWEEN GRIEF AND FEAR

For Jakub’s family and friends, Friday is supposed to be a farewell.

For local schools, however, it is also a day requiring careful planning.

Parents must make alternative arrangements.

Teachers must consider the emotional impact on children.

Transport providers must prepare for delays.

And police must manage what could become a very large gathering.

That combination has created an atmosphere of tension around South Bank.

Yet authorities are making clear that the closures do not mean an incident is expected at the funeral.

They are intended to reduce the risks created by congestion and the movement of large numbers of people.

THE A66 TRAGEDY STILL HAUNTS MIDDLESBROUGH

The funeral comes less than two weeks after the horrific A66 collision that claimed seven lives.

Two police officers were among those lost.

Five young men in the Passat also died.

The circumstances surrounding the crash have generated intense debate, while investigators continue examining what happened in the moments before the collision.

Now the community is preparing for the first funeral connected to the tragedy.

And the response shows just how far the consequences of the A66 crash have reached.

Four schools will close early. Roads are expected to become heavily congested. Large crowds and vehicles are expected in South Bank.

For one family, Friday will be a final goodbye.

For an entire community, it will be another day of dealing with the fallout from a tragedy that has already changed Middlesbrough forever.