School bus driver dies after coach carrying 40 children overturns in Northern Ireland
The driver of a school bus that flipped off a country road while carrying dozens of children has died.
The coach was carrying more than 40 children from St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook, Northern Ireland when it overturned on Tuesday afternoon.
Quinn Coaches, the firm operating the vehicle, confirmed the ‘deeply respected’ driver died in the crash.
A statement published online 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.’
No other injuries have been reported and it is understood the incident is being treated as a sudden death.
It is understood the private hire bus was travelling from St Paul’s High School towards Whitecross.
The head teacher of a County Armagh school has confirmed that children involved in a bus crash in Belleeks are safe
Ambulance services and police rushed to the scene of the crash in Belleeks, southern County Armagh yesterday.
Pictures from the scene show a double-decker bus on its side as emergency responders try to gain access and seal off the road.
The children caught up in the wreckage were able to exit the vehicle safely.
Northern Ireland Assembly member Justin McNulty said all of the children ‘walked away from the scene and are home’.
Mr. McNulty added: ‘It could have been much more serious but thankfully when an incident involves a school bus crash you hope the worst doesn’t happen but thankfully the children have walked away unscathed.’
The crash left the pupils in ‘significant shock,’ principal of St Paul’s High School, Dáithí Murray, said.
The pupils should attend school tomorrow ‘if they feel well enough’ and they will be signposted to support services, the headteacher added.
At least five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor were dispatched to the scene.
A spokesperson for the PSNI 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.’
The B134 Tullyah Road remains closed both ways due to the collision, traffic analyst Inrix says.
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