A school bus carrying dozens of passengers overturned in Northern Ireland, leading to four pupils being hospitalized. The incident, which involved 43 people and a driver from Strangford College heading to Bangor, is under investigation by the police. The bus crashed on Ballyblack Road East near Carrowdore, prompting a major response from emergency services and a specialist rescue team.
While 33 people were treated and discharged at the scene, four children with non-life-threatening injuries were taken to the hospital, with others seeking medical attention at Ulster Hospital. The PSNI set up a casualty center at Strangford College, with all children either returning home or receiving medical care. By Monday night, the major incident response had concluded, but ongoing patient care continued at Ulster Hospital.
Dylan Lee, a 12-year-old pupil at Strangford Integrated College, described the terrifying experience of the crash, recalling the bus hitting a post and ending up on its side in a field. His mother, Stacey Lee, expressed the panic she felt hearing her son’s distress call and the screams of other children in the background.
Translink CEO Chris Conway confirmed that the Ulsterbus service carrying school pupils was involved in the incident, with no other vehicles implicated. Closure of Ballyblack Road was required for the PSNI investigation, while the Education Authority pledged support for affected children. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised the rapid response of emergency crews and hospital staff in handling the situation.
As investigations continue, support and messages of solidarity have poured in from various sources, including a post from First Ards Presbyterian Church offering assistance to those affected. The community has rallied together following this distressing event, highlighting the importance of swift action and support during times of crisis.