FOUR pupils 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.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said 43 people and a driver were on the vehicle when it crashed. It treated and discharged 33 people at the scene.
Four children were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and several other patients self-presented at Ulster Hospital.
Images on social media showed the double-decker on its side in a field. Two people were rescued from the bus by firefighters using specialist cutting equipment at the scene.
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.”
Northern Ireland’s public transport provider Translink has said it is assisting police with their investigation.
The bus had been carrying pupils from Strangford College to Bangor.
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. 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 said a casualty centre was set up at Strangford College but added that all children had either returned home or were taken to hospital.
By Monday night, the South Eastern Health Trust said the major incident response had ended but teams continued to treat patients at Ulster Hospital.
Translink chief executive Chris Conway confirmed that an Ulsterbus service carrying school pupils had crashed, adding that no other vehicles were involved.
The Ballyblack Road is to remain closed while the PSNI investigates.
The Education Authority will work with the school to provide support for any children impacted by the events.
Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised the response of emergency service crews and hospital staff.
He said: “This has been a shocking incident and my thoughts this evening are with all of those affected and their families.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the emergency crews attending the scene and to the hospital staff caring for those who have been injured.”
Local SDLP representative Will Polland said concerns had been raised multiple times about the road where the crash occurred.
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.
“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.”
