“Major incident” in Co Down after bus carrying schoolchildren overturns

First responders are dealing with a "major incident" at Carrowdore in Co Down, Northern Ireland today, Monday, October 7.

In an update, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said that the "latest information would indicate that there were 43 school children on the bus as well as one driver.

"Four patients will require hospital treatment and the rest should be discharged at scene."

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Earlier, NIAS said that a bus carrying up to 70 passengers had overturned.

According to the PA, the NIAS said it had dispatched "multiple resources to the scene, including doctors, emergency crews, advanced paramedics, rapid response paramedics, ambulance officers, and the Air Ambulance with HEMS crew on board.

“Over 50 of the passengers have minor injuries, if any, with eight patients being treated for more significant injuries at the scene.

“The situation is ongoing and NIAS will release more information as it becomes available.”

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) separately said: "Five Fire Appliances & the Specialist Rescue Team are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision involving an overturned bus on the Ballyblack Road East, Newtownards.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

"More details to follow."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) advised motorists 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."

The PSNI said diversions are in place and to seek an alternative route.

The South Eastern Trust said its staff is also responding and preparing the emergency department for anyone who might need care.

Local councillor Robert Adair, who has spoken to a number of parents and police, told the Belfast Telegraph that the overturned vehicle is a school bus.

“It’s every parent's worst nightmare,” he said.

"A child’s journey to and from school always causes worry and this is just horrendous.

"I am asking everyone to pray at the current time while emergency services deal with this clearly very serious situation.

I am also appealing to drivers to give crews the space they need by staying away from the area.

"My heart goes out to everyone affected – the children, their families and of course the bus driver.

"This has really, really shaken the entire community.”