Middlesbrough schools closed Sept 4 for A66 crash funeral

Several schools in the Middlesbrough area are closing early on Friday, September 4, 2026, due to anticipated traffic disruption and safety concerns surrounding the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, one of seven people killed in a head-on collision on the A66. The decision, made by local headteachers in consultation with the local authority, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils, staff, and families. The fatal crash occurred on August 22, 2026, when a Volkswagen Passat, reportedly travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway, collided with a marked police car. The collision claimed the lives of two police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, as well as the five occupants of the Passat: Jakub Matusiak, 23, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, and Makai Saddington, 18. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing, with the police watchdog noting the Passat was being pursued by officers until moments before impact and may have been using cloned registration plates. Large crowds, including motorbikes and quad bikes, are expected to gather for Mr.