The overturned Knockevin School bus with the white van behind which were involved in a collision on the Vianstown Road near Downpatrick.[/caption]
“In a crash at just 30mph, an unrestrained child can be thrown forward with a force 30 to 60 times their body weight. This means that they would be thrown about inside the vehicle, injuring them and quite possibly seriously injuring or even killing other passengers. They are also likely to be ejected from the vehicle through one of the windows.
“This is why it is so important to comply with the wearing of seat belts. To reinforce our road safety messages and to help reduce the number of children that sustain injuries on the roads we have include the following seatbelt legislation below:”
* Children under three years MUST use an appropriate child restraint in any vehicle – the only exception being when travelling in a taxi, where they must use an adult belt, if no suitable restraint is available.
* In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children from three years and up to 135cms in height or 12 years of age MUST use the appropriate child restraint. The only exceptions are in respect of taxis, unexpected short journeys and where two fitted child restraints prevent the fitting of a third.
Anyone who would like further advice can contact the local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 600 8000.
Bush Crash Up-date From South Eastern HSC Trust
Ulster Hospital – 8 children ( 3 females, 5 males, aged up to 19). One male was kept for further investigation, and all others discharged. Downe Hospital – 5 children ( 3 male, 2 female), 2 adults (1 male, 1 female) are all discharged. Local Politicians Express Their Support for Those Injured in the Crash [caption id="attachment_36797" align="alignright" width="400"]
The scene of the Knockevin School bus crash on the Vianstown Road/Bonecastle Road junction. [/caption]
Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Coogan has expressed his relief that no lives were lost when the bus carrying children from Knockevin Special School crashed and overturned at the junction of the Vianstown and Bonecastle Road.
Councillor Coogan said: ” I would like to praise the actions of the driver, assistants and all those on the scene who while obviously shocked themselves still managed to look after the children and bring them to a nearby house until Emergency Services arrived. Thankfully Emergency Services were quick to arrive and a number of children and adults were taken to both the Ulster and Down Hospital.”
He continued, “My thoughts are with the families who will have to deal with badly shaken and confused children who will be traumatised by todays incident. I know children who travel to Knockevin School and I know how difficult it can be for a Special Needs Child to cope with minor changes. I have seen myself how a child can react when there is a different bus there to collect them. A different driver or even a change in route can be an ordeal for a child so I can only imagine how difficult it will be for some of these children and their families to manage after an incident like this.”
Margaret Ritchie MP Relieved On No Serious Injuries
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said just after the crash: “I am relieved to receive confirmation from the PSNI none of the adults or children involved in the accident this morning were seriously hurt. I understand that they are currently receiving attention at the Downe Hospital.
“I understand drivers on the Vianstown Road stopped to assist the children. The community response to this accident is to be commended.
Those involved will be shaken by the events of this morning . I know that all assistance and support will be offered by Knockevin to their pupils and staff.”
Rogers Wishes Those in Crash a Speedy Recovery
South Down SDLP Assembly Member Seán Rogers also voiced his support for those injured and said: “I understand the bus was carrying 12 passengers who are pupils of the nearby Knockevin Special School. Initial reports state that the Children are being treated for shock but have no major injuries.
“My thoughts are with the passengers, the driver and their families. This must have been a very traumatic ordeal for them all. Initial reports state that all of the passengers were strapped into their seats. This clearly re-emphasises how vital such seat belts are.”
