Dozens injured & 4 in hospital after bus packed with schoolkids overturns as boy, 12, reveals harrowing crash details
FOUR people are being treated in hospital after a school bus overturned in Northern Ireland.
Emergency services and a specialist rescue team attended the scene on Ballyblack Road East near Carrowdore in Co Down on Monday afternoon.
Four people are being treated in hospital after a school bus overturned in Northern IrelandPress Eye
Multiple ambulance resources have been dispatched to the scene and police are advising motorists to avoid the areaPress Eye
The incident happened on Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards, near Carrowdore
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said 43 people and a driver were on the vehicle when it crashedPacemaker Press
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said 43 people and a driver were on the vehicle when it crashed.
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 mother of one of the children on the double-decker told how pupils were left screaming in fear after the crash.
Dylan Lee, 12, a year eight pupil at Strangford Integrated College, was with his mother Stacey Lee at the scene after the crash.
Dylan told the PA news agency: “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.
‘I COULD HEAR HIM SCREAMING’
“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.
Images on social media showed the double-decker on its side in a fieldPacemaker Press
“I was crawling under stuff like railings and school bags and stuff. It was on its side in the field.”
The PSNI earlier described the incident as a “serious road traffic collision” and advised the public to avoid the area as it said: “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.
DUP councillor Robert Adair said: “Accident on Ballyblack Road East.
“There has been accident on Ballyblack Road East Carrowdore involving a school bus. Praying everyone is safe and would ask motorists to use alternative routes.”
‘LARGE NUMBERS’ INVOLVED
“There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey.”
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service said earlier that five fire appliances and the specialist rescue team responded to the scene.
SDLP MLA for south Co Down Colin McGrath said “large numbers” are involved in the incident.
Posting on social media, the local politician said: “I hope that everyone is ok at this incident.
‘USE ALTERNATIVE SERVICES’
“Large numbers involved and NIAS will be stretched – plz heed their advice and also avoid the area. Thinking of all involved.”
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.”
Local SDLP representative Will Polland said concerns had been raised multiple times about the road where the crash occurred.
PREVIOUS CONCERNS
He told the BBC: “First responders were on the scene as quick as possible and we are incredibly grateful for that.
“Our hearts and prayers go out, not just to those who are unfortunately involved, but those who have responded.
“We are keeping everyone in our hearts and minds at this point.”
He added: “This road has had concerns about it raised multiple times.
‘ABSOLUTE TRAGEDY’
“I send all my prayers out to everyone involved in the incident.
“It is an absolute tragedy.”
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.”
The PSNI earlier described the incident as a “serious road traffic collision”Pacemaker Press
The mother of one of the children on the double-decker told how pupils were left screaming in fear after the crashPacemaker Press
The South Eastern health trust said it was responding to the major incidentPress Eye
Local SDLP representative Will Polland said concerns had been raised multiple times about the road where the crash occurredPress Eye
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