Full Breakdown
School Bus Crash in Belleeks: Overview and Response
2/18/2026, 12:33:06 AM
Incident Overview
On Tuesday afternoon, a school bus carrying approximately 40 students from St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook was involved in a significant crash in Belleeks, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The incident occurred around 3:38 PM on Tullyah Road, where the bus reportedly flipped onto its side after veering off the road into a ditch. Emergency services, including five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, and police, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
Emergency Response
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed that they responded to the crash, treating the children for minor injuries. Fortunately, all students were reported to have exited the bus safely and were later collected by their parents. Principal Daithí Murray of St Paul’s High School reassured parents in a letter that all pupils were safe and emphasized the school's commitment to providing support for those affected by the incident.
Official Statements
Local MLA Justin McNulty expressed relief that the children involved were "relatively unscathed," noting that while a few sustained minor injuries, there were no serious reports. He stated, “Thankfully, around 40 children all walked away from the scene and are home.” Similarly, MLA Aoife Finnegan thanked emergency services for their prompt response and urged respect for the privacy of those affected.
Criticism & Opposition
While the immediate response from emergency services has been praised, there are concerns regarding road safety in the area. Local residents have raised questions about the conditions of Tullyah Road, a one-lane country highway, and the potential need for improved safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the exact circumstances of the crash. While reports indicate the bus flipped into a ditch, details about how the incident occurred remain unclear, with local police continuing their investigation. Eyewitness accounts suggest that children were seen climbing out of the bus through windows and the roof, highlighting the chaotic nature of the scene.
What's Next
As investigations continue, local authorities are expected to assess the road conditions and consider safety improvements. The Education Authority's Critical Incident Response Team will also be available to support students as they return to school, ensuring that those affected by the incident receive the necessary emotional and psychological support.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When an incident involves a school bus crash, you hope the worst hasn't happened. Thankfully, the children have all walked away relatively unscathed.” — Justin McNulty, MLA
- “Mr Murray said: “We appreciate that this will have caused a significant shock to pupils who experienced the incident.” — Daithí Murray, Principal, St Paul’s High School
- “I want to thank the emergency services for their swift and professional response and ask that the privacy of those affected be respected.” — Aoife Finnegan, MLA
