School bus crash: 70 pupils involved, multiple injuries reported in County Down

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it is dealing with a "major incident" involving a bus with up to 70 passengers in County Down this afternoon

A bus carrying around 70 schoolchildren has been involved in a crash on a rural road in County Down, Northern Ireland, this afternoon. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has declared it a "major incident" and dispatched multiple resources to the scene, including an air ambulance.

According to reports, the bus, which was the only vehicle involved, left the road and ended up in a field near the village of Strangford, approximately 30 miles from Belfast. While around 50 people are believed to be "walking wounded", eight patients require medical treatment, reports the Mirror.

Authorities are advising people to avoid the area, with roads currently closed. In a statement, the NIAS said: "NIAS is currently dealing with a major incident at Carrowdore involving a bus with up to 70 passengers. NIAS has dispatched multiple resources to the scene. Please only call 999 if your situation is life-threatening while we deal with this incident."

A spokesperson for the police issued an advisory following an accident: "Motorists are advised to avoid the Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards, as police and colleagues from the emergency services are currently at the scene of a one-vehicle road traffic collision. There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey."

Meanwhile, South Down MLA and Health spokesperson Colin McGrath commented on the incident, stating: "I hope that everyone is ok at this incident. Large numbers involved and NIAS will be stretched - please heed their advice and also avoid the area. Thinking of all involved.".