Major incident declared after school bus crashes in Northern Ireland

Eight people have received medical treatment at the scene after a school bus overturned in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said a further 50 people have sustained minor injuries, or avoided injury, in the crash in Co Down.

Emergency services and a specialist rescue team attended the scene on the Ballyblack Road East near Carrowdore on Monday afternoon.

More than 60 passengers were on the bus, with images on social media showing the double-decker on its side in a field.

A spokesperson for the NIAS said: “A bus carrying more than 60 passengers has overturned.

“NIAS has 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 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.”

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.”