Four in hospital after school bus crash in Northern Ireland – latest

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.”

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it has now “stood down” this afternoon’s major incident.

In a statement, NIAS said: “The service will remain busy for many hours as we deal with the backlog of calls. Please use 999 wisely and be patient if you really need to call us.”

The mother of 12-year-old Dylan Lee, a pupil at Strangford Integrated College who was on the top deck of the bus and sustained a head injury in the crash, said she could hear pupils screaming over the phone after the vehicle turned over.

Dylan said: “The bus hit a post and it started to stall and went down this hill. It just started shaking. I closed my eyes and then I opened them and I was on the floor … The first thing I did when I got up was to phone my mum.”

Stacey Lee said her son had a lump and a cut on his head, adding: “I could hear him screaming that he had crashed and I could hear all the kids in the background screaming. It was awful.”

Dylan said: “Then there was this guy came down with a hammer and the windows were all being smashed so we could get out. I was crawling under stuff like railings and school bags and stuff. It was on its side in the field.”

In its latest statement, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said four people are being treated in hospital following the crash.

A NIAS spokesperson said: “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.”

A Facebook post from First Ards Presbyterian Church said they were thinking of everyone involved.

The post continued: “Our hearts and our prayers go out to all the students, families and staff who are affected.

“For those in our youth ministries who go to the school, please know we’re especially holding you close in prayer right now.

“If anyone needs a chat, support, or just someone to listen, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.”

Local SDLP representative Will Polland said concerns had been raised multiple times about the road where the crash occurred.

He told the BBC: “First responders were on the scene as quick as possible and we are incredibly grateful for that.

“Our hearts and prayers go out, not just to those who are unfortunately involved, but those who have responded.

“We are keeping everyone in our hearts and minds at this point.”

He added: “This road has had concerns about it raised multiple times.

“I send all my prayers out to everyone involved in the incident.

“It is an absolute tragedy.”

Members of the public who do not require emergency care have been urged to avoid attending Ulster Hospital as staff deal with people injured in the Carrowdore bus incident.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the South Eastern Trust said the hospital is responding to a major incident involving a bus earlier on Monday afternoon.

“Our staff in the emergency department are preparing to treat anyone who needs our care,” the statement said.

“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.”