What Happened in Carrowdore?
A school bus with 43 pupils and a driver driving along Monday afternoon overturned in a field in County Down; four people were taken to the hospital. It has led to serious questions concerning the safety of the accident scene.
How Were the Children Evacuated from the Scene?
Pictures on social media showed children in their school uniforms away from the blue double-decker bus with a shattered windscreen. Crews were also incredibly efficient with a cutting tool to free two people stuck in the bus. That is how the Police Service of Northern Ireland spoke about the event – as a severe road traffic collision.
What Injuries Were Reported Among Passengers?
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) stated that most passengers panelled out from injuries with minor injuries, including cuts/bruises. However, eight of them needed more serious medical intervention. Subsequently, in another report by the NIAS, it emerged that the people affected could be treated and discharged on the scene, near Donaghadee and Newtownards towns. In a Carrowdore road traffic incident this afternoon, the NIAS declared a major incident due to the number of resources used.
Is There an Ongoing Investigation into the Circumstances?
According to a news source, police are now looking keenly into the details of the crash. Translink, a public transport operation company in Northern Ireland, is helping with the investigation process. The bus was said to be carrying pupils of Strangford Integrated College from school to Bangor at the time of the accident.
What Did a Student Witness During the Incident?
Dylan Lee, 12, a Year 8 pupil at Strangford Integrated College, was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital with minor injuries as a result of the clash. Interacting with the media near the scene, he said, “I was on the top deck on the right-hand side.” I was sitting with my friend. He said, ‘he was fine, just hurt his arm’.”
Dylan said after hitting a post and feeling the engine was slowing down and went down this hill.” It just started shaking. Do you know that feeling when you suddenly wake up and find yourself on the floor? After that, he claimed, “The first thing I could do when I got up from the floor was to call my mum.”
What Concerns Did the Mother Express About the Incident?
Dylan’s mother complained about the occurrence. She said, “I could hear him screaming that he had crashed, and I could hear all the kids in the background screaming. It was awful.” Dylan also said that, at that time, a man walked with a hammer, and the window was broken so we could leave. She said, “I was crawling under things like railings and school bags and things.”
What Praise Did the Emergency Response Receive?
No casualties were reported, and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt thanked all the emergency members and appreciated their work. “This has clearly been a dreadful incident and this evening my thoughts are with all of those who have been injured and their families.” “On behalf of all passengers, I would like to say thank you to the Emergency Crew for coming out, the doctors who have been looking after the sick and injured.”
What Community Concerns Were Addressed?
There is mutual agreement that the road on which the accident took place has been causing worry to many a time in the past.
By Monday night, the South Eastern Health Trust confirmed that the primary incident response had been stopped, but teams would continue to work through the night at Ulster Hospital.
How Will the Affected Families Be Supported?
The principal of Strangford College highlighted the incident, perhaps saying it all: “It has been a very stressful and shocking time for the children, their families, and the school community. Emergency services were present and we appreciate everyone that tried to help, including a number of employees and parents who were able to offer support and some basic first aid.”
She said, “We continue to liaise with the Education Authority (EA) and critical incident response personnel from the EA and the main focus in the coming days shall be to have our pupils and staff comforted during these trying times.”
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