'Deeply respected' bus driver dies after horror crash with 40 children on board

Schoolchildren were later marked as "safe" on Tuesday night after the crash.

But coach firm Quinn Coaches said in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our drivers was involved in a road traffic accident whilst transporting school children today.

"Despite immediate emergency response, our dear colleague sadly passed away.

"Our first thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

"He was a respected and experienced member of our team, and he will be greatly missed."

Justin McNulty, Newry and Armagh's MLA, said: "Thankfully, around 40 children all walked away from the scene and are home."

Mr McNulty added it was a "miracle" none of the schoolchildren were "fatally hurt".

The ambulance service described the crash as "significant".

Reports from the scene indicate the school bus had veered off the road into a ditch and was left on its side.

A local resident told the Belfast Telegraph that children were seen climbing out of the roof and windows of the bus, however, no significant injuries were reported among the youths.

Pictures from the scene showed a bus toppled over a hedge into a ditch on the side of the one-lane country highway.

The parents of the children, from nearby school St Paul's in Bessbrook, County Armagh, reportedly rushed to the scene as soon as they heard of the collision.

The children were assessed by paramedics before being sent home.

School principal, Daithi Murray, told UTV all the children were safe and collected by their parents, and asked for the Education Authority's assistance.

In a letter to parents, the school principal said: "I am writing to make you aware of a serious incident that took place on school transport this afternoon as pupils were making their way home.

"We have ascertained that all pupils are safe and have been collected by their parents.

"We appreciate that this will have caused a significant shock to pupils who experienced the incident.

"I would encourage pupils, if they feel well enough, to attend school tomorrow, where staff will signpost them to the support services available.

"The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul’s community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident today."

Local police said: "Road users are advised of a collision in the Tullyah Road area of Belleeks between Newtownhamilton and Camlough.

"Please avoid the area and seek alternative routes. An update will be issued in due course."

It is still unclear how the incident happened, with reports local police are still at the scene carrying out their investigations.

St Paul's High School is an all-ability, co-educational school located on the outskirts of Bessbrook near Newry in County Armagh.

It is a Catholic school for children aged between 11 and 19.

The population of the school is roughly 1,550.