Four people hospitalised in school bus & car crash

FOUR people were taken to hospital following a crash involving a school bus and car yesterday morning.

It is understood the vehicle had been carrying students to St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan when the collision took place on Downpatrick Road in Clough, Co Down, at 8.35am.

Police closed the road and emergency services – including the charity Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, paramedics and firefighters – attended the scene.

A Translink spokesperson said: “We can confirm a bus operating a school service to

Castlewellan was involved in a collision with a car in Clough this morning.

“Emergency services were called to the scene.

“Both occupants of the car were taken to hospital. The bus driver was also taken to hospital as was one student.

“Initial reports suggest their injuries are not serious.

“We will work with the PSNI on their investigation.”

The road remained closed yesterday evening.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Twelve pupils were on board the bus, two of whom have been treated at the scene by paramedics. A third pupil on the bus was taken to hospital for treatment.

“We believe the injuries of the pupils on board the bus are non life-threatening.” Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said yesterday: “Fire Appliances were in attendance – one from Downpatrick Fire Station, one from Newcastle

Fire Station and one from Ballynahinch Fire Station.” The school did not respond to a request for comment.

COLLISION Air Ambulance and fire crews attend scene in Co Down yesterday SCARE Bus and car involved in the incident

PROBE Road was still closed last night