A wave of relief washed over County Armagh today as news emerged that children involved in a school bus crash near Belleeks were safe. The incident, unfolding on the B134, sent ripples of anxiety through the community, quickly followed by immense gratitude.
The bus, reportedly carrying around forty students, left a scene of potential devastation, yet remarkably, every child walked away from the wreckage. Initial reports painted a frightening picture, but the outcome defied those fears, a testament to luck and perhaps, unseen protection.
Local Assembly member Justin McNulty expressed the collective sentiment, acknowledging the potential for tragedy. He emphasized the profound relief that the children escaped without serious injury, a scenario he’d desperately hoped to avoid.
The principal of St Paul’s High School, Dáithí Murray, confirmed the children were understandably in “significant shock” following the impact. Despite their ordeal, they were all released to return home, a small comfort amidst the lingering fear.
School officials are preparing to welcome students back tomorrow, should they feel up to it, and are proactively arranging access to support services. Recognizing the emotional toll, the school aims to provide a safe space for processing the experience.
Emergency services responded swiftly, dispatching at least five ambulances, advanced paramedics, and a dedicated ambulance doctor to the scene. Their rapid arrival ensured immediate assessment and care, though thankfully, extensive medical intervention wasn’t required.
Police have advised motorists to avoid the Tullyah Road area between Newtownhamilton and Camlough, as the road remains closed in both directions. The focus remains on clearing the scene and investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety, and the profound relief that comes when potential disaster is averted. The community now focuses on supporting the students as they begin to recover from this unsettling experience.
