18 schoolkids injured in bus crash

Eighteen schoolchildren have been taken to hospital after their bus was in collision with a van near Castlebar in Co Mayo this morning.

None is thought to be seriously injured.

The children - aged between 8 and 17 - were on their regular Saturday morning trip to the swimming pool in Castlebar when the accident happened at Ballintubber.

Three Western Health Board ambulances rushed to the scene and ferried the passengers and two adults to the hospital at Castlebar.

The children and the drivers of both vehicles are expected to be released later today.