Four schools across the South Bank area have announced early closures on Friday, 4 September 2026, in response to anticipated traffic congestion surrounding the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, 23, one of five young men killed in a head-on collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough. The decision follows discussions between local headteachers and Redcar and Cleveland Council, with officials warning that large crowds are expected to gather in the South Bank area, creating significant transport disruption for pupils, staff and families.
The collision occurred on 22 August when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway struck a marked police vehicle near South Bank. In addition to the five occupants of the Passat, two Cleveland Police officers—PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38—were killed in the impact. According to reporting on the funeral arrangements, the service is scheduled to take place at St John's Church on Normanby Road in Middlesbrough.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has established that the Volkswagen Passat was being pursued by police until approximately 10 seconds before the crash occurred. The vehicle was believed to be displaying cloned registration plates. Following the incident, a total of 27 people have been arrested as part of a wider police operation targeting organised crime.
Which schools are closing and when?
Four schools have confirmed they will close early on Friday to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff. South Bank Primary School and Outwood Academy Normanby will close at lunchtime, while Archway Academy in Teesville will shut at 11:45 BST and St Margaret Clitherow's Catholic Primary School in South Bank at 12:15. The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre will remain closed throughout the entire day, and some specialist education pupils from the South Bank area attending other schools may be collected earlier than usual.
Headteacher Tammy Cooper of South Bank Primary School stated that large numbers of people were anticipated in the area for the funeral service. The school acknowledged that some pupils might experience feelings of distress or unease regarding the funeral, and confirmed that its pastoral support team would be available to provide assistance to affected children.
Mark Robinson, principal of Outwood Academy Normanby, explained in correspondence to parents that the early closure decision was reached following consultation among local headteachers and the council regarding the anticipated impact on transport arrangements and the school day.
What traffic disruption is expected?
Cleveland Police anticipate significant traffic disruption and delays between 15:00 and 17:00 on Friday, affecting South Bank, Normanby Road through Teesville, Ormesby and Marton, and Acklam Road. Superintendent John Wrintmore from Cleveland Police stated that the force is collaborating with highways departments from the local authority, who are taking the lead on traffic management for the event, to minimise disruption where possible.
A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council emphasised that the decision to close schools early was made following careful consideration of the potential impact on home-to-school transport and the departure of pupils, staff and families at the end of the school day. The council acknowledged that early closure may create inconvenience for some parents and carers and expressed gratitude for their understanding and cooperation.
What has prompted political response?
Conservative MP Laura Trott has issued an open letter calling on Education Secretary Lucy Powell to ensure that schools in the area remain open. The shadow education secretary also appealed for sufficient police support to be provided to maintain school safety during the event. The Department of Education has been approached for comment on the matter.
The decision to close schools comes against a backdrop of heightened concern following a vigil held last week for one of the young men who died in the crash. That vigil in Haswell, County Durham, was followed by disorder in which a number of vehicles were set on fire, prompting criticism from MPs and police forces.
What is the police response?
Cleveland Police have stated they have comprehensive plans in place to ensure public safety and security during the funeral, describing these measures as consistent with their standard procedures for significant public gatherings. Superintendent Wrintmore confirmed that the force is working closely with local highways departments to coordinate traffic management and minimise disruption to the wider community.
According to coverage of the funeral announcement, the police have indicated they are prepared for the scale of the event and have coordinated with local authorities to manage the anticipated crowds and transport impact.
Background to the A66 collision
The crash on 22 August resulted in one of the most significant incidents in the region in recent years. Five young men—Jakub Matusiak, Makai Saddington, Theo Rae, Michael Robert Cahill and Cole Robert Worthy—were killed in the Volkswagen Passat. The two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, were responding to reports when their vehicle was struck by the wrong-way car.
In the aftermath of the A66 collision and a separate house fire incident that claimed two additional lives, five Teesside MPs called on the government to provide additional resources to police and fire services. Inquests into the deaths of the two police officers have already opened, and a fundraiser established in their memory has exceeded £1 million.
What happens next
The funeral service is scheduled to proceed on Friday, 4 September 2026, at St John's Church on Normanby Road. Schools will implement their early closure plans, and Cleveland Police will deploy traffic management and public safety measures throughout the afternoon and early evening. Families and the wider community are being advised to expect significant disruption in the South Bank area during this period.
