Four schools in the South Bank area of Middlesbrough will close early on Friday due to expected transport disruptions linked to a local funeral. The service is for Jakub Matusiak, a 23-year-old who was one of seven people killed in a crash on the A66 motorway on 22 August. The incident involved a Volkswagen being pursued by police and an armed response vehicle, leading to a tragic collision. As a result of the funeral, large crowds, motorbikes, and quad bikes are expected to gather in the area, prompting school leaders and the local council to close schools at midday to ensure the safety of students. The decision to close schools has sparked debate, with Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticizing the move as inappropriate. She argued that the closures would disrupt students' education and urged the government to step in to ensure that children are not deprived of their learning time. Her comments highlight concerns about the balance between public safety and the continuity of education during such events. This is not the first time the community has faced scrutiny over responses to the crash. Last week, a vigil was held for another victim of the A66 crash, which drew criticism after cars were set on fire in County Durham. The incident raised concerns about public behavior and the potential for unrest during gatherings related to the tragedy. Authorities are working to manage the situation while ensuring that both public safety and the right to mourn are respected. The early school closures reflect the challenges of balancing these priorities in a community still reeling from the loss of life in the crash.