Northern Ireland

Live updates as ‘major incident declared’ after school bus crash in Co Down

It is understood up to 70 passengers were on board

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 7th   October 2024

General view of the scene after a double-decker school bus carrying more than 60 passengers has crashed in county Down.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has declared it a "major incident".
Police and emergency services are currently at the scene at Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards.

The double-decker bus was carrying more that 60 passengers, over 50 have minor injuries and 8 are being treated for more significant injuries at the scene.

Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.
The double-decker bus was carrying more than 40 passengers. Photo by Press Eye. (Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye )

Four people have been taken to hospital after a double decker bus overturned in Co Down this afternoon.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) declared a major incident based on the number of resources required to attend the incident.

43 passengers and a driver were onboard when the incident happened at Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards this afternoon.

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.

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The road is closed and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

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