Northern Ireland

Man dies after crash involving bus

The scene of a traffic accident on the Antrim Road involving a bus. Picture by Mal McCann
The scene of a traffic accident on the Antrim Road involving a bus. Picture by Mal McCann The scene of a traffic accident on the Antrim Road involving a bus. Picture by Mal McCann

A MAN has died after being involved in a "serious" road traffic collision involving a bus.

Police said last night it launched a sudden death investigation following the death.

The crash happened at 6.25am on Thursday on Antrim Road in north Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a call at 6.23am following report of a road traffic incident.

One emergency ambulance crew was sent to the scene. Following assessment and initial treatment there, one patient was transported to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Translink confirmed that one of its Metro vehicles, serving the route 1J, was involved in what it described as "a serious road traffic incident at Grays Lane on the Antrim Road at 6.25am".

"Emergency services and the PSNI attended the scene. We are investigating and are assisting the PSNI with their inquiries," a spokesman said.

Police later confirmed the man died as a result.

PSNI Inspector Robert McMurran said: "A sudden death investigation is underway. There are no further details."

Two nearby schools - Our Lady of Lourdes PS and Ben Madigan - remained closed yesterday due to the incident, affecting about 750 children. Both apologised to parents saying the closures were beyond their control.

As well as closing for pupils yesterday, Our Lady of Lourdes said it also had to cancel all meetings and events scheduled for Thursday.

Parent/teacher meetings that were to take place would be rearranged, the school confirmed.

The accident also caused the closure of Antrim Road in both directions for a period.