Bus driver dies at scene of crash involving school children in Armagh

The bus was carrying 40 pupils, but none of them was seriously injured.

The driver of a school bus which crashed in Co Armagh on Tuesday has died, police have confirmed.

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

The PSNI said the collision happened in the Tullyah Road area of Belleeks between Newtownhamilton and Camlough.

A spokesperson said: “The driver of the vehicle sadly passed away at the scene.

“No other injuries have been reported at this time.

“The road was closed for a period of time but has since reopened.” It is understood the incident is being treated as a sudden death.

St Paul’s High School, Daithi Murray, said students were making their way home on school transport when the incident occurred.

He said all the pupils are safe and have been collected by their parents.

In a letter to families, he said: “We appreciate that this will have caused a significant shock to pupils who experienced the incident.” Mr Murray added that members of the Education Authority’s Critical Incident Response Team will be at the school on Wednesday “to support pupils affected by the incident”.

He encouraged pupils “if they feel well enough” to attend school on Wednesday and that “staff will signpost them to the support services available”.

Mr Murray added: “The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul’s community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident.” A spokesperson for the Education Authority confirmed the incident involved a school bus operated by a privately contracted provider and said: “Our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by the incident.”