A crash involving a school bus and a car near Clough has left several injured.
Police are still currently at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on Downpatrick Road in Clough involving a bus and a car, which occurred earlier today shortly before 8.40am.
A police spokesperson said: “The male driver of the car and his male passenger have been taken to hospital.
“The driver of the bus was also hospitalised.
“Twelve pupils were on board the bus and two of whom have been treated at the scene by paramedics.
“A third pupil on the bus was taken from the scene to hospital for treatment. We believe, at this time, the injuries of the pupils’ on board the bus are non-life threatening.
“Our officers remain at the scene on the Downpatrick Road, which is closed, and which will remain closed for some time as we deal with the collision.
“We would ask that drivers avoid the area and use an alternative route.
“We will bring you more information as soon as we are able to.”
At 5pm this afternoon, road diversions were still in place around the crash site on the Clough Downpatrick Road a short distance from the filling station at the Clough roundabout.
Down News understands that the school bus was transporting pupils to St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan.
Cllr Alan Lewis said: “I heard about this crash shortly after it happened around 8.40am and I immediately went to the scene.
“It has since transpired that three pupils and the driver were taken to hospital with their injuries along with the bus driver.
“The local community is deeply saddened by this terrible crash on hearing the news. I want to thank the emergency services – the police, NIAS and the NI Air Ambulance – for their speedy response to the scene. They provide a vital service for us and my thoughts and prayers are with the families at this moment.
Cllr Patrick Brown said: “I am saddened to hear of the accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the families concerned at this very difficult time.”
Update: 5pm Sunday 18th October 2020.
Police are appealing for information and witnesses following a serious road traffic collision involving a bus and a car on Downpatrick Road, Clough shortly before 8.40am on Friday, 16 October.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident. A spokesman said: “Were you travelling along the Downpatrick Road at this time?
“Did you see a black coloured car or bus travelling along this road? Did you capture dash-cam footage of the incident or the black car or bus before the collision? What were the road conditions like at this time?
“Police would ask anyone who has any information that could assist them with their enquiries to contact them at Armagh on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 329 16/10/20.”
