DOZENS of students have been injured after a school bus overturned into a field in Co Down.
Multiple ambulance resources have been dispatched to the scene and police are advising motorists to avoid Ballyblack Road East, near Carrowdore in Newtownards.
It’s understood that the double-decker bus was transporting more than 60 passengers, many of them schoolchildren.
Eight people have received medical treatment at the scene, while a further 50 people sustained minor injuries or avoided injury entirely. None of the students are understood to have life threatening injuries.
A spokesperson for the NIAS said: “A bus carrying more than 60 passengers has overturned.
“NIAS has dispatched multiple resources to the scene including doctors, emergency crews, advanced paramedics, rapid response paramedics, ambulance officers and the Air Ambulance with HEMS crew on board.
“Over 50 of the passengers have minor injuries, if any, with eight patients being treated for more significant injuries at the scene.
“The situation is ongoing and NIAS will release more information as it becomes available.”
The PSNI described the incident as a “serious road traffic collision” and advised the public to avoid the area and 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.
DUP councillor Robert Adair said: “Accident on Ballyblack Road East.
“There has been accident on Ballyblack Road East Carrowdore involving a school bus.
“Praying everyone is safe and would ask motorists to use alternative routes.”
“There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey.”
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service also confirmed that five fire appliances and the specialist rescue team are at the scene.
SDLP MLA for south Co Down Colin McGrath said “large numbers” are involved in the incident.
Posting on social media, the local politician said: “I hope that everyone is ok at this incident.
“Large numbers involved and NIAS will be stretched – plz heed their advice and also avoid the area. Thinking of all involved.”
The South Eastern health trust said it was responding to the major incident: “Our staff in the emergency department are preparing to treat anyone who needs our care.
“We would ask any patient not requiring emergency care to please use alternative services. If your condition is life-threatening, please visit the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital as normal.”
Local SDLP representative Will Polland said concerns had been raised multiple times about the road where the crash occurred.
He told the BBC: “First responders were on the scene as quick as possible and we are incredibly grateful for that.
“Our hearts and prayers go out, not just to those who are unfortunately involved, but those who have responded.
“We are keeping everyone in our hearts and minds at this point.”
He added: “This road has had concerns about it raised multiple times.
“I send all my prayers out to everyone involved in the incident.
“It is an absolute tragedy.”
A Facebook post from First Ards Presbyterian Church said they were thinking of everyone involved.
The post continued: “Our hearts and our prayers go out to all the students, families and staff who are affected.
“For those in our youth ministries who go to the school, please know we’re especially holding you close in prayer right now.
“If anyone needs a chat, support, or just someone to listen, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.”
