Northern Ireland

Major incident declared after bus crash involving up to 70 passengers in Co Down

Crash happened in Carrowdore area on Monday afternoon

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 7th October 2024 General view of the scene after a double-decker school bus carrying more than 60 passengers has crashed in county Down. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) has declared it a "major incident". Police and emergency services are currently at the scene at Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards. The double-decker bus was carrying more that 60 passengers, over 50 have minor injuries and 8 are being treated for more significant injuries at the scene. Photo by Jonathan Porter / Press Eye.
Police and emergency services at the scene of the bus crash at Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards. PICTURE: JONATHAN PORTER/PRESS EYE (Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye )
By Paul Ainsworth

Up to 70 passengers have been injured after a school bus crashed into a field in Co Down.

The crash on the Ballyblack Road East at Carrowdore involved a double decker bus understood to be carrying pupils home from Strangford College.

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A spokesperson for the NIAS said the service was “currently dealing with a major incident at Carrowdore involving a bus with up to 70 passengers”.

They added: “NIAS has despatched multiple resources to the scene. Please only call 999 if your situation is life-threatening while we deal with this incident. More details to follow.”

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The NI Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed five fire appliances and a specialist rescue team have arrived at the scene.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Motorists are advised to avoid the Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards, as police and colleagues from the emergency services are currently at the scene of a one vehicle road traffic collision.

“There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey.”

Alliance MLA for North Down, Connie Egan, said in a social media post: “Really hoping everyone involved in this accident is okay; a terrifying incident for all involved.

“Please avoid Four Road Ends and Ballyblack Road East while the emergency services attend the accident.”