Northern Ireland

Four people including one school pupil taken to hospital following Co Down crash

The scene outside Clough yesterday after a crash involving a school bus and a car. Picture by Conor Kinahan/Pacemaker Press
The scene outside Clough yesterday after a crash involving a school bus and a car. Picture by Conor Kinahan/Pacemaker Press The scene outside Clough yesterday after a crash involving a school bus and a car. Picture by Conor Kinahan/Pacemaker Press

FOUR people including one pupil were taken to hospital yesterday following a crash involving a school bus and a car in Co Down.

Twelve schoolchildren were on the bus which was involved in a collision near Clough at around 8.40am.

Paramedics, fire crews and the air ambulance was called to the scene of the crash on the Downpatrick Road.

It is understood the bus was travelling to St Malachy's High School in Castlewellan.

Police last night said two men - the driver and a passenger - in the car and the bus driver were all taken to hospital, as well as one student who was later discharged.

Two other pupils were treated by paramedics at the scene.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: "We believe, at this time, the injuries of the pupils’ on board the bus are non-life threatening".

The road was closed throughout yesterday morning, with motorists advised to avoid the area.

UUP councillor Alan Lewis said he was "shocked to hear" about the crash.

"I'd like to thank local people who were first on the scene, the emergency services who were quick to respond, particularly the Northern Ireland air ambulance," he said.

"I thank the air ambulance team for their continued commitment and dedication to urgent response care within our community, an absolutely vital resource particularly at this time of deep uncertainty.

"My thoughts are with all those injured in this morning's incident, I hope and pray they make a full recovery. The entire community send their best wishes to all involved."