Pupils safe after County Armagh school bus crash

The head teacher of a County Armagh school has confirmed that children involved in a bus crash in Belleeks are safe and have been collected by their parents.

Emergency services have have been attending the a "significant incident" which happened on the Tullyah Road in the area, which is in between Newtownhamilton and Camlough just after 15:30 GMT.

Dáithí Murray, principal of St Paul's High School in Bessbrook wrote to parents and said the incident would have caused "significant shock" to pupils who were on board.

SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty said that "thankfully around 40 of them (school children) all walked away from the scene and are home".

The Tullyah Road was closed for a time on Tuesday but it has now re-opened.

It is understood the private hire bus was travelling from St Paul's High School towards Whitecross.

Five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor attended the scene to treat patients.

"It could have been much more serious but thankfully when an incident involves a school bus crash you hope the worst doesn't happen but thankfully the children have walked away unscathed," said McNulty.

Murray said the school has sought advice from the Education Authority's Critical Incident Response Team who will be available to support pupils affected by the incident.

"I would encourage pupils, if they feel well enough, to attend school tomorrow where staff will signpost them to the support services available," he said in his letter.

"The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul's community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident today."

The Education Authority said it was providing "critical incident management support to the school".

"Our critical incident team will be in the school tomorrow to provide emotional support for pupils as required," a spokesperson said.

"Our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by the incident."

Speaking at the scene on Tuesday evening, Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy said the incident is a "shock to this community".

"I have to commend the emergency services for their swift action," Murphy said.

"Our heartfelt sympathy for anybody and everybody that was involved in the accident. Hopefully, particularly the kids, will be able to get over this. There's no doubt about it, it's obviously a shocking experience."