Major incident declared after ‘school bus overturns’ with 70 onboard

The incident is ongoing.

The school bus overturned on the Ballyblack Black Road East in Newtownards, Co Down.

Police have advised people to avoid the area and have told motorists to seek an alternative route.

According to BBC News, 50 passengers have minor injuries, if any, while another eight are being treated for more significant injuries.

The PSNI said in a statement: "Motorists are advised to avoid the Ballyblack Road East in Newtownards, as police and colleagues from the emergency services are currently at the scene of a one vehicle road traffic collision.

"There are diversions in place. Please seek an alternative route for your journey."

In a statement the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “A bus carrying more than 60 passengers has overturned.

“NIAS has despatched multiple resources to the scene including doctors, emergency crews, advanced paramedics, rapid response paramedics, ambulance officers and the Air Ambulance with HEMS crew on board.

“Over 50 of the passengers have minor injuries, if any, with eight patients being treated for more significant injuries at the scene.

“The situation is ongoing and NIAS will release more information as it becomes available.”

SDLP MLA for South Down and Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath said: "I hope that everyone is ok at this incident. Large numbers are involved and NIAS will be stretched - please heed their advice and also avoid the area. Thinking of all involved."

The Northern Ireland Ambulance has dispatched numerous resources to the scene and has told people to only call 999 if their situation is life-threatening while they deal with the incident.