The Northern Ireland Ambulance Servce (NIAS) has said that it is dealing with a “major incident” following a school bus crash in County Down.
Up to 70 passengers were travelling in the vehicle at the time of the incident.
In a social media post, the ambulance service said: “NIAS is currently dealing with a major incident at Carrowdore involving a bus with up to 70 passengers.
“NIAS has dispatched multiple resources to the scene.”
‘Major incident’ declared after school bus carrying 70 people overturns in Northern IrelandPAThey added: “NIAS has despatched multiple resources to the scene. Please only call 999 if your situation is life-threatening while we deal with this incident. More details to follow.”
Police sources in Northern Ireland have told GB News that two children who were trapped on board the bus have sustained serious hand injuries.
Sources say 27 children have been taken to the Royal Hospital in Belfast with minor injuries.
It is understood there have been no fatalities.
NIAS is currently dealing with a major incident at Carrowdore involving a bus with up to 70 passengers. NIAS has despatched multiple resources to the scene. Please only call 999 if your situation is life-threatening while we deal with this incident. More details to follow. pic.twitter.com/46ZtnDMNvj
— NIAS (@NIAS999) October 7, 2024
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) described the incident as a “serious road traffic collision”.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Five fire appliances and the specialist rescue team are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision involving an overturned bus on the Ballyblack Road East, Newtownards.”
Drivers have been told by police to find alternative routes to their journeys.
“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,” the force said.
“There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey.”
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.”
More to follow…