School issues statement after bus overturns in Co Down as parents asked to 'stay away from scene'

A school bus with over 40 passengers onboard overturned in Newtownards, prompting a major incident response. The principal of Strangford College has urged parents to stay away from the scene and instead visit an incident desk set up at the school for updates.

The principal of a Co Down school has issued a statement to parents after a bus with over 40 passengers onboard overturned.

A major incident has been declared after the collision, which happened at on the Ballyblack Road East area near Carrowdore in Newtownards.

It has been confirmed that 43 people and a driver were onboard at the time. Emergency services remain at the scene, with four people being taken to hospital. The remainder of patients are being treated at the scene.

Clare Foster, principal at Strangford College, issued a message to parents at 5.11pm on Monday following the news. Ms Foster has advised parents to stay away from the scene, and instead attend an incident desk which has been set up at the school.

READ MORE: Major incident declared after 'school bus overturns' with 70 onboard in Co Down - live updates

READ MORE: Dunnes Stores issues major warning over popular spices deemed 'unsafe' for some consumers

The statement reads: "We are currently dealing with an incident involving one of our school buses. Two other buses have been delayed due to this incident but will be leaving soon. Please can I ask that parents do not come to the scene as this is causing obstruction with the emergency services.

"An incident desk has been set up at the school and I would ask that any concerned parents attend the incident desk at the College rather than at the scene. An update will follow as soon as possible. The Newtownards and Comber buses are leaving now and following their normal route. Any student left will be transported back to school."

In an updated statement, the NI Ambulance Service 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. As this remains an ongoing incident, NIAS will provide further updates as appropriate."

The South Eastern Trust has confirmed their emergency department is responding to the incident. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Trust said: "The South Eastern Trust is responding to a major incident involving a bus earlier this afternoon in Carrowdore, Newtownards. 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."

Police have advised motorists to stay away from the area. In a statement, a spokesperson for the PSNI 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. There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey."

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.