Emergency services rushed to Newtownards, a town in County Down, on the afternoon of October 7 following reports of an overturned vehicle.
Initial reports suggested the vehicle overturned on the Ballyblack Road East area was a school bus carrying as many as 70 passengers. A statement issued around 6pm by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service clarified: “Following a Road Traffic Incident this afternoon in the Carrowdore area, the Northern Ireland Ambulance declared a Major Incident, based on the number of resources required to attend the incident.
“Initial reports indicated that approximately 70 people were on board the bus. This figure has been revised to 43 and a driver. NIAS has assessed and treated patients at the scene, with four currently requiring further treatment at hospital. The remainder have either been, or are in the process of being assessed with a view to discharging at the scene. As this remains an ongoing incident, NIAS will provide further updates as appropriate.”
A major incident was declared and police have advised motorists to find an alternative route for their journeys as officers attend the “one vehicle road traffic collision”.
An early statement by the police read: “Motorists are advised to avoid the Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards, as police and colleagues from the emergency services are currently at the scene of a one vehicle road traffic collision. There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey.”
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