'Mum, I'm alive' - Boy's frightening call after school bus overturns in Down
A 12-year-old boy described the 'scary' experience of being on a school bus that overturned in Co Down, prompting a major incident declaration. Four children were taken to the hospital, while the PSNI investigates the crash, and support is being offe
A 12-year-old boy has shared the "scary" experience of being one of the pupils on a bus that crashed on Monday afternoon.
A major incident was declared by the NI Ambulance Service when an Ulsterbus carrying pupils from Strangford College overturned on the Ballyblack Road East area near Carrowdore in Newtownards.
Four patients were taken to hospital with injuries and the road remains closed this evening as the PSNI investigate the circumstances of the crash.
One of the children on the bus was Dylan Lee who said his first instinct after the bus overturned into the field was to call his mum and let her know he was safe.
READ MORE: School issues statement after bus overturns in Co Down as parents asked to 'stay away from scene'
READ MORE: Major incident declared after 'school bus overturns' with 70 onboard in Co Down - live updates
Speaking to Belfast Live, Dylan said: "It was very scary and noisy. I heard the bang and felt the bus hit something and then it started swerving on the road. Everyone was screaming and crying and then bus started to lean over and then it just fell over on its side and it stopped in a field."
"I think I was unconscious for a second but then it all went clear. I could hear crying. I was on the floor sideways and started to climb out - there were school bags all over the place and I crawled under them and managed to get out. I lost my shoe. I held tight onto my phone and was phoning mum and told her what was happening and she was crying and asking me if I was OK."
The schoolboy continued, "It was really scary, and I'm very glad I'm okay. I hope everyone else is okay."
His mother Stacey also spoke about the moment her son called her with the news of the crash, stating she was terrified as she received his call. She said: "All I could hear was screaming and shouting. Dylan was shouting 'mum we've crashed, the bus has crashed. I'm alright, I'm alive."
The Newtownards mum was driven to Ballyblack Road East by her friend where she was reunited with her son. The PSNI has issued a multi-agency update on the major incident on the Ballyblack Road East on Monday night.
The statement said: "At 3:50 this afternoon, Monday 7th October an Ulsterbus containing pupils from Strangford College and the bus driver overturned on the Ballyblack Road East Newtownards. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service declared a major incident and deployed numerous resources and specialist assets. Five Fire Appliances as well as police attended the scene. Firefighters using specialist cutting equipment rescued two casualties from the bus and provided support to NIAS for a number of other casualties.
"A casualty centre was set up at the school for a period of time but all children have now left the scene of the collision. All were either taken home by parents/guardians or transported to hospital. NIAS treated and discharged 33 people at the scene. Four children were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Several patients have also self-presented at the Ulster Hospital.
"The Ballyblack Road will remain closed for some time while police conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the collision. Diversions remain in place. The Education Authority will be working with the school in the coming days to provide support for any children impacted by today's events.""
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