School bus carrying 40 children crashes in Northern Ireland

A bus with school children aboard was involved in a collision in Belleeks, County Armagh, in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has said.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it was at the scene of a “significant incident” after receiving reports of a crash at 3.38pm.

There were five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor treating patients, it said.

PSIS told The Independent that the injuries are thought to be minor for the children involved.

open image in gallery

The children on the bus were students of St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook.

In a statement to parents, Principal Daithí Murray said a “serious incident” occurred on school transport as pupils made their way home.

He confirmed that all students were safe and had been collected by their parents.

Mr Murray said: “We appreciate that this will have caused a significant shock to pupils who experienced the incident.

“The school has sought advice and guidance from the Education Authority’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and personnel from this team will be available to support pupils affected by the incident tomorrow.

“I would encourage pupils, if they feel well enough, to attend school tomorrow where staff will signpost them to the support services available.

“The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul’s community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident today.”

open image in gallery

Northern Ireland road and policing safety said: “Road users are advised of a collision in the Tullyah Road area of Belleeks between Newtownhamilton and Camlough.

“Please avoid the area and seek alternative routes. An update will be issued in due course.”

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty, who had spoken to police, said all children have “walked away relatively unscathed,” according to a report by Belfast Live.

He said: “A school bus transporting children from St Paul's High School to Whitecross crashed on the Tullyagh Road. Thankfully around 40 of them all walked away from the scene, and are home. A few of them had minor injuries but nothing serious,” the news site reported.

“When an incident involves a school bus crash, you hope the worst hasn't happened. Thankfully, the children have all walked away relatively unscathed.”

More follows on this breaking news story