Four schools in Middlesbrough will close at lunchtime on Friday due to expected traffic congestion and disruption caused by the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, one of five young men killed in a tragic head-on crash on the A66. The funeral is anticipated to draw large crowds, leading to concerns about traffic and transport issues. South Bank Primary School confirmed it would close at 12:00 PM to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, citing worries about congestion and potential disruptions. Head teacher Tammy Cooper mentioned the funeral would be held at St. John's church on Normanby Road and noted that some pupils may feel upset or anxious about the event. The school's pastoral team will be available to provide support to students during this difficult time. Outwood Academy in Normanby also announced it would close from midday following discussions between local headteachers and the council. The decision comes as part of a coordinated effort to manage the expected crowds and ensure the safety of students and staff. The crash happened in the early hours of August 22 when a Volkswagen Passat collided with a marked armed response police car while traveling the wrong way on the dual carriageway at South Bank. Jakub Matusiak, 23, along with Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23, were all pronounced dead at the scene. The two police officers in the other vehicle, Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were also killed in the crash. The incident has sparked significant public attention, with a vigil held for Mr. Cahill last week that led to criticism from MPs and police. During the vigil, a crowd set fire to several cars in Haswell, County Durham, drawing concerns about the potential for further unrest. The tragic crash and its aftermath have highlighted the emotional and social impact on the local community, prompting local authorities to take measures to manage the situation and support affected families and students.