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Schools in Redcar and Cleveland to close early ahead of A66 fatal crash funeral

Authorities and educators cite anticipated heavy traffic and public safety concerns ahead of services for one of seven victims killed in an August collision.

Updated Sep 3, 2026 · 16:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • Four schools and a specialist center in the South Bank and Teesville areas will shut early on Friday due to large crowds and traffic expected for the funeral of crash victim Jakub Matusiak.
  • The funeral follows an August 22 head-on collision on the A66 that killed five young men and two police officers.
  • Police and local council officials are deploying traffic management and public safety plans, mindful of disturbances that occurred following a prior vigil.
  • A broader investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and an organized crime operation that has led to 27 arrests remain ongoing.

Key facts

  • Four schools—South Bank Primary School, Outwood Academy Normanby, Archway Academy, and St Margaret Clitherow's Catholic Primary School—will close around midday on Friday.[BBC News]
  • The early dismissals are coordinated with Redcar and Cleveland Council and Cleveland Police to manage expected heavy traffic and safety concerns surrounding the funeral of Jakub Matusiak.[BBC News]
  • Matusiak was one of five men in a Volkswagen Passat who died alongside two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, in a collision on the A66 on August 22.[BBC News]
  • According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the Passat was believed to be using cloned plates and was pursued by police until 10 seconds before the fatal crash.[BBC News]
  • Police have arrested 27 people as part of an organized crime operation launched following the incident.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The full extent of traffic delays and whether any unrest will occur during the funeral gathering remain unknown, though authorities have prepared safety measures.[BBC News]

Sources