Girl killed in school bus crash

A nine-year-old girl is critically ill. Six other pupils and their driver were injured in the crash on the Ballygawley Road, Cabragh at 0825 GMT.

The accident happened as the bus was turning into a primary school. The bus ended up in a field.

The road has been closed between the Ballygawley roundabout and Dungannon. One man has been arrested.

The bus was carrying about eight pupils from St Ciaran's High School in Ballygawley and seven from St Mary's Primary School in Cabragh.

It was turning into St Mary's when the accident happened.

It is understood five ambulances went to the scene. The injured were taken to Craigavon Area Hospital and one child has since been transferred to hospital in Belfast.

The injured children are aged between seven and 17.

Accident blackspot

It is understood the bus involved is a new vehicle, fully fitted with seatbelts and has CCTV cameras.

The schools said there was a good culture of wearing seatbelts among the pupils.

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said: "I have been deeply upset by news of this morning's incident and my thoughts go out to those affected by the accident.

"The Southern Education and Library Board are providing support to the schools involved through their critical incident response team at what will be a very difficult time for the families, schools and communities involved."

The chief executive of the Southern Education and Library Board, Helen McClenaghan, said it was tragic that a young life had been lost.

She is hoping to speak to some of the injured at the hospital but said relatives were "absolutely at a loss and deeply, deeply grieving and distressed".

Local SDLP councillor Anthony McGonnell said it was "an horrific scene".

He praised the emergency services who, he said, "responded magnificently and were here literally within minutes".

The councillor said it was the latest in a long line of serious accidents on the road.

Police are urging motorists to avoid the area as there have been major traffic delays.

Diversions are in place through Aughnacloy at Ballygawley roundabout and Quinn's Corner.