Four hospitalised after school bus crash in Co Down

Four people are being treated in hospital following a crash involving a school bus near Newtownards in Co Down.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said 43 people and a driver were on the vehicle when it crashed in Co Down.

Emergency services and a specialist rescue team attended the scene on the Ballyblack Road East near Carrowdore this afternoon.

Images on social media showed the double-decker on its side in a field.

A spokesperson for the NIAS said: "Following a road traffic incident this afternoon in the Carrowdore area, the Northern Ireland Ambulance declared a major incident, based on the number of resources required to attend the incident.

"Initial reports indicated that approximately 70 people were on board the bus. This figure has been revised to 43 and a driver.

"NIAS has assessed and treated patients at the scene, with four currently requiring further treatment at hospital.

"The remainder have either been, or are in the process of being assessed, with a view to discharging at the scene."

The major incident declared by the NIAS has since been stood down.

Dylan Lee, 12, a year eight pupil at Strangford Integrated College, was with his mother Stacey Lee at the scene after the crash.

Dylan said: "I was on the top deck on the right hand side. I was just sitting with my friend: He is fine, he just hurt his arm.

"The bus hit a post and it started to stall and went down this hill.

"It just started shaking. I closed my eyes and then I opened them and I was on the floor."

He added: "The first thing I did when I got up was to phone my mum."

His mother said Dylan had a lump and a cut on his head, adding: "I could hear him screaming that he had crashed and I could hear all the kids in the background screaming. It was awful."

Dylan added: "Then there was this guy came down with a hammer and the windows were all being smashed so we could get out.

"I was crawling under stuff like railings and school bags and stuff. It was on its side in the field."

The PSNI described the incident as a "serious road traffic collision".

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: "Five fire appliances and the specialist rescue team are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision involving an overturned bus."

The South Eastern Health Trust said it was responding to the major incident: "Our staff in the emergency department are preparing to treat anyone who needs our care.

"We would ask any patient not requiring emergency care to please use alternative services. If your condition is life-threatening, please visit the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital as normal."

UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said his thoughts and prayers were with all those involved in the crash.

DUP MP thanks ambulance service, police for 'quick action'

Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford said he has been keeping in close contact with the PSNI since the news of bus crash this evening involving a large number of school children.

He said that this is a deeply worrying situation and asked that area continue to be avoided so emergency workers can tend to all involved in this terrible accident.

"My prayers go out to all involved, their families, and the emergency crews attending the scene," he said.

In a statement to RTÉ News, he said that it was his understanding that some young people had been trapped inside the bus and it was difficult to remove them, but that the emergency services had successfully removed these young people now.

He added that there were no fatalities, but over 20 ambulances were at the scene, and that there had been young people injured that needed to be checked over.

He thanked the ambulance service, the police service and fire service for their "quick action" in response to the incident.

He added that the young people would be in his prayers and that he hoped they would not be left traumatised after this horrific crash.

A Facebook post from First Ards Presbyterian Church said they were thinking of everyone involved.

The post continued: "Our hearts and our prayers go out to all the students, families and staff who are affected.

"For those in our youth ministries who go to the school, please know we're especially holding you close in prayer right now.

"If anyone needs a chat, support, or just someone to listen, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you."