One victim serious as 11 remain in hospital following bus crash

ELEVEN people remained in hospital last night following a crash between an Ulsterbus and a tractor and trailer.

One of those injured in Monday’s smash on the Belfast Road in Newtownards is in a serious condition, the South Eastern Trust confirmed.

Another is in a stable condition, and nine more are described as “comfortable”.

They are being treated at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald following the collision that happened around 4.30pm on Monday and caused the road to be closed for several hours.

The bus was travelling from Newtownards towards Belfast at the time. It is understood the driver had to be cut free from the wreckage.

Translink said an investigation was under way.

It said: “We can confirm that an Ulsterbus travelling from Newtownards to Belfast was involved in a road traffic accident involving a tractor and trailer on Monday, July 16.

The aftermath of the collision between the bus and tractor

“PSNI and Translink investigations are under way.”

The PSNI has issued an appeal for witnesses. It said: “Police are appealing for witnesses following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the Belfast Road in Newtownards on Monday, July 16.

“A tractor towing a trailer was involved in a collision with a bus close to the junction of Ballybarnes Road.

“Fifteen people who were travelling on the bus were treated at the scene, a number of them were taken to hospital for further treatment.

“None of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

“Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact officers in Newtownards on 101, quoting reference 948 16/07/18.”