TWO school children were treated for minor injuries yesterday evening after a school bus crashed into a fallen tree in Co Antrim.
The Glenavy Road in Lisburn, Co Antrim remains closed this morning after the tree “caught the top” of Ulsterbus service K103, which was carrying pupils from Forthill College to Crumlin.
Members of the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service rushed to the scene at Whinney Hill Road just after 4pm yesterday.
The two injured pupils were treated at the scene by members of the NIAS. No patients required transfers to hospital.
Some pupils were transferred onto another bus following the incident while others were collected by their parents.
In a statement, Translink confirmed that an investigation will take place into the incident.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm an Ulsterbus service K103 carrying school pupils from Forthill College to Crumlin has been involved in an incident on the Glenavy Road at just after 4pm this afternoon. No other vehicles were involved in this incident.
“Some pupils on the bus were transferred to another bus to continue their journey, while others were collected by parents.
“We have launched an investigation and we are assisting the PSNI with their enquiries.”
A spokesperson for the Education Authority said: “The EA was made aware of a minor road traffic incident involving a Translink school bus service travelling on the Whinney Hill Road, Glenavy, this afternoon, 30 January.
“Following the incident, pupils were collected by their parents/carers or completed their home journey via an additional Translink bus.
“Emergency services were in attendance and a review of the incident will be undertaken by Translink.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed that it attended the scene after receiving a 999 call at 4:24pm yesterday evening.
A spokesperson said: “NIAS despatched 2 Rapid Response Paramedics, an Advanced Paramedic, 1 Ambulance Crew and a Hart Crew to the incident.
‘AVOID IF POSSIBLE’
“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, 2 patients were discharged with minor injuries. No patients required transport to hospital.”
Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Emma Little-Pengelly yesterday warned people to avoid the area if possible.
She said: “Kilcorig Road to School Lane due to a double decker bus incident. Looks like it has clipped a overhanging tree. Fire Brigade and PSNI are on the scene. Indications are no serious injuries.
“PSNI have diversions in place. Avoid if possible. I will update as soon as I have further info.”
The PSNI said yesterday: “Road users are advised the Glenavy Road, Lisburn, between the junction of School Lane and Whinney Hill Road, is likely to be closed until tomorrow, Friday 31st January, following an earlier collision involving a bus.
“Please seek an alternative route for your journey.”
