12 children hurt in NI crash

Twelve children with special needs were injured today when a minibus carrying them to a daycare centre collided with a lorry in Northern Ireland.

Two adults on the bus also suffered cuts and bruises, while the driver of the lorry received more serious injuries.

A major emergency incident was declared at Antrim Area Hospital after the crash occurred on the main Belfast to Larne road shortly before 10am.

A police spokesman said 15 people in all had been taken to hospital.

He said the 12 children and two adults on the bus suffered cuts and bruises, while the lorry driver sustained head and spinal injuries.

A spokeswoman for Antrim Area Hospital said a number of patients were currently being assessed.

The Larne-bound carriageway of the A8 was expected to remain closed for several hours. One Belfast-bound lane is expected to be reopened around noon.