Police investigating circumstances of double-decker school bus crash in County Down
Four children were taken to hospital
Police are investigating the circumstances of a double-decker school bus crash in County Down.
The Ulsterbus overturned into a field on the Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards yesterday afternoon, with more than 40 school children on-board.
Four children were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and more than 30 were treated and discharged at the scene.
Several patients also self-presented at the Ulster Hospital.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service declared a major incident, while other emergency services also attended the scene.
Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to rescue two casualties from the bus.
The PSNI said, “The Ballyblack Road will remain closed for some time while police conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the collision. Diversions remain in place.”
“The Education Authority will be working with the school in the coming days to provide support for any children impacted by today’s events.”
Strangford College pupil Dylan described the moment the crash happened.
He said, “We went down that hill and just went sideways. I was crawling under stuff…railings and schoolbags.”
Principal of Strangford Integrated College, Clare Foster, said “On behalf of the school, I would like to extend our sincere thoughts to all of our pupils who were on the Ulsterbus which was involved in a road traffic collision on Monday afternoon (7 October).”
“This has been a very difficult and distressing experience for the pupils, their families and the wider school community.”
“The emergency services were at the scene and we would like to thank everyone who assisted for their quick actions, including a number of staff and parents who provided support and first aid.”
“A casualty centre was set up at the school for a period of time and all the children were either taken home by parents/guardians or transported to hospital.”
“We are working closely with the Education Authority (EA) and trained staff from the EA Critical Incident Response Team and our core focus over the coming days will be on supporting our pupils and staff at this time.”