Bus driver dies in crash involving school children

The driver of a bus involved in a crash in Belleeks in County Armagh on Tuesday has died, police have said.

The bus was carrying 40 pupils from St Paul's High School in Bessbrook but none of them were seriously injured, the principal confirmed.

It happened in the Tullyah Road, between Newtownhamilton and Camlough, just after 15:30 GMT.

In a statement on its Facebook page, Quinn Coaches said it was "deeply saddened" that its "dear colleague sadly passed away" in the crash.

"Our first thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow colleagues during this incredibly difficult time," the statement said.

"He was a respected and experienced member of our team, and he will be greatly missed."

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that two appliances from Newry fire station and one appliance from central fire station attended.

Firefighters rescued the driver from the vehicle but said he died at the scene.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it was being treated at this stage as a "sudden death".

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

Five ambulances were sent to the scene.

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

A spokesperson said its critical incident team would be in the school on Wednesday "to provide emotional support for pupils as required".

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

Quinn Coaches said it was "fully cooperating with the relevant authorities".

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh Aoife Finnegan said her thoughts went out to the driver's colleagues "at this extremely difficult time".

"We've been told he was well known and well liked among his students," Finnegan told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme.

"For the children involved and all of their families it's an incredibly distressing incident and we're just relieved that no children were injured.

"St Paul's is a strong and caring school community and I know staff will be doing everything will be doing everything to support their pupils and one another."

Social Democratic and Labour Party MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty said there was "deep sadness" following the death.

"My thoughts, and the thoughts of the wider community, are with the driver's family following this tragic death," he said.

"This will have been an awful shock for them and from the tributes paid it is clear he was highly regarded and respected by colleagues."

He said it was "miraculous" that the children on board the bus "escaped with only minor injuries".

"Nonetheless, this will have been a frightening and traumatic experience for them and it is important they receive the support they need in the days and weeks ahead."