Emergency services were called to reports of a collision on Tuesday afternoon
Tullyah Road in Belleeks, Co Armagh
The driver of a bus carrying 40 schoolchildren that was involved in a serious crash in Co Armagh has died after the tragic incident.
The update comes hours after emergency services were called to reports of a collision on the Tullyah Road in Belleeks, Co Armagh, shortly before 3:45pm after a private coach carrying schoolchldren from St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook flipped over and was left lying on its side on top of a hedge.
Eyewitnesses said children were seen climbing out of the bus through the windows and the roof to escape the wreckage. No students sustained serious injuries in the horror crash.
Private coach company Quinn Coaches has now sadly confirmed that the driver of the bus died shortly after the crash took place. A spokesperson for the private bus company said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our drivers was involved in a road traffic accident whilst transporting school children today. Despite immediate emergency response, our dear colleague sadly passed away.
“Our first thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. He was a respected and experienced member of our team, and he will be greatly missed.”
They added: “We are relieved to confirm that no children were injured during the incident. The safety and wellbeing of our drivers and passengers is always our highest priority.”
Police remain at the scene with crash scene investigators combing the site to make sense of what happened in the lead up to the crash.
Dáithí Murray, principal of St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook, confirmed that the children were safe and had now returned home.
In a letter to families, he said: “We appreciate that this will have caused a significant shock to pupils who experienced the incident.”
Mr Murray added that members of the Education Authority’s Critical Incident Response Team will be at the school on Wednesday “to support pupils affected by the incident”.
He encouraged pupils “if they feel well enough” to attend school on Wednesday and that “staff will signpost them to the support services available”.
Mr Murray added: “The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul’s community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident today.”
The Education Authority has said it is providing “critical incident management support to the school” following the incident.
“Our critical incident team will be in the school tomorrow (Wednesday) to provide emotional support for pupils as required. Our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by the incident,” a spokesperson said.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service earlier said it was called to the scene of a significant incident, involving a bus.
A spokesperson added: “The call was received at 15:38 and NIAS dispatched multiple resources to the incident. Currently five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor are at the scene treating patients.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Road users are advised of a collision in the Tullyah Road area of Belleeks between Newtownhamilton and Camlough. Please avoid the area and seek alternative routes. An update will be issued in due course.”
Want to see more from Belfast Live? Make us your preferred source on Google to get more breaking news and must-read content straight away.
