Pupils Injured After School Bus Crash in County Down

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In a shocking incident that has left the community reeling, a school bus carrying students from several local schools in County Down was involved in a serious crash earlier today. The accident occurred during the morning rush, around 8:15 a.m., when the bus collided with a van on a rural road just outside the small town of Castlewellan. Emergency services responded swiftly, but several children sustained injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe trauma that required immediate medical attention.

The bus was en route to multiple schools, transporting children between the ages of 12 and 18. According to initial reports, there were around 25 pupils onboard at the time of the collision. While the majority were able to walk away from the crash with only minor injuries, paramedics treated a number of pupils at the scene, and five students were rushed to the nearby Ulster Hospital in Dundonald for more intensive care. Their condition is said to be stable, but the situation has understandably sent waves of shock and concern through the community.

Witnesses at the scene described a harrowing moment as the bus veered off the narrow country road and came to a halt in a ditch after hitting the van head-on. The driver of the van, a man in his late 40s, was also injured in the crash and remains in hospital under observation. Local authorities have not yet released his condition. Investigators from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) arrived at the crash site shortly after the incident, and a full inquiry into the cause of the accident has been launched.

The families of the injured pupils have been notified, and both schools involved have sent out statements offering support and reassurance to worried parents. "This is an extremely distressing situation for everyone involved," said Patricia Devine, headteacher of one of the schools whose pupils were onboard the bus. "Our immediate priority is the wellbeing of the students and ensuring they receive the medical care and emotional support they need. We are working closely with emergency services and the local authorities to assist in every way we can."

Parents have also expressed their concerns about road safety in the area, with some pointing out that the country road where the accident took place has long been a source of worry. "The roads here are dangerous, especially in bad weather," said a local parent who preferred to remain anonymous. "We've raised these issues before. It's terrifying to think something like this could happen, but sadly, it's not surprising. We need proper road safety measures in place before more children get hurt."

According to the PSNI, investigators are looking into whether the weather conditions at the time of the crash may have played a role. Overnight rain had made the roads particularly slippery, and some locals reported seeing thick fog in the early hours, reducing visibility. However, authorities are yet to confirm whether these factors directly contributed to the accident. "Our investigation is ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time to come forward," a spokesperson for the PSNI said.

As news of the accident spread, the wider community has come together to offer support for the affected families. Local businesses and residents have started organizing fundraisers to provide assistance with medical expenses and other needs that may arise in the wake of the crash. Meanwhile, the schools have announced plans for counsellors to be made available to students who may be struggling with the psychological impact of the event. "This is a close-knit community, and we'll be there for each other through this difficult time," said one local resident involved in organizing the support efforts.

The incident has also renewed discussions at the local council level about improving infrastructure and road safety measures in rural areas. Councillor Aidan Murphy, who represents the area, has called for an urgent review of road conditions along bus routes. "This tragic accident highlights the dangers our children face every day traveling to and from school," Murphy stated. "We cannot wait for another incident to act. It's time for the council and the Department for Infrastructure to prioritize the safety of these roads, ensuring that both buses and other vehicles can travel safely."

The tragic accident in County Down has cast a shadow over the start of the school term, which had been marked by the usual excitement and anticipation. Now, however, parents are grappling with a wave of anxiety as they send their children to school, with many calling for the introduction of stricter safety standards on school buses and better training for drivers operating in rural areas.

In the coming days, the community will wait anxiously for further updates on the condition of the injured pupils and the results of the ongoing investigation. For now, thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this heart-wrenching incident. The aftermath of the crash has not only raised urgent questions about road safety but has also brought to the surface the deep bonds that tie this community together, as neighbours, parents, and friends band together to support those in need.

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