The Police Service of Northern Ireland has this evening provided a multi-agency update after emergency crews responded to a major incident involving a Translink school bus which entered a field on the Ballyblack Road East, Newtownards on Monday afternoon.
A spokesperson said:
“At 3:50 this afternoon, Monday 7th October an Ulsterbus containing pupils from Strangford College and the bus driver overturned on the Ballyblack Road East Newtownards.
“Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) declared a major incident and deployed numerous resources and specialist assets. Five Fire Appliances as well as police attended the scene. Firefighters using specialist cutting equipment rescued two casualties from the bus and provided support to NIAS for a number of other casualties.
“A casualty centre was set up at the school for a period of time but all children have now left the scene of the collision. All were either taken home by parents/guardians or transported to hospital.
“NIAS treated and discharged 33 people at the scene. Four children were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Several patients have also self-presented at the Ulster Hospital.
“The Ballyblack Road will remain closed for some time while police conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the collision. Diversions remain in place.
“The Education Authority will be working with the school in the coming days to provide support for any children impacted by today’s events.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised the response of emergency service crews and hospital staff following the major incident involving a bus in County Down today.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) declared a Major Incident, based on the number of resources required to attend the incident, including the Air Ambulance and doctors on site.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene near Carrowdore with a specialist rescue team and appliances. NIAS, NIFRS, PSNI and the Health and Social Care (HSC) system liaised closely in response.
Minister Nesbitt said:
“This has been a shocking incident and my thoughts this evening are with all of those affected and their families. I am receiving regular updates.
“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. NIAS, NIFRS, PSNI, Air Ambulance, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) and the wider HSC system have all played their part.
“I know I am speaking for the entire community in expressing my gratitude for the fast and efficient way in which they responded, and for their expertise and professionalism. I am proud of everyone involved in responding to the major incident today.”