A bus driver whose vehicle crashed yesterday as he was bringing up to 40 children home from school has died.
The PSNI said the driver of the bus, which left the Tullyah Road near the village of Belleeks in Co Armagh, died at the scene.
St Paul's High School Bessbrook said its pupils had been on the bus, which ended up in a ditch, but that none had been injured.
The bus company, which is based near Newry, also confirmed their colleague had died.
"Despite immediate emergency response, our dear colleague sadly passed away," Quinn Coaches posted on social media.
"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."
St Paul's High School principal Dáithí Murray said in a letter to families: "We appreciate that this will have caused a significant shock to pupils who experienced the incident."
Mr Murray added that members of the Education Authority's Critical Incident Response Team will be at the school today "to support pupils affected by the incident".
He encouraged pupils "if they feel well enough" to attend school and that "staff will signpost them to the support services available".
Mr Murray added: "The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul's community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident."
A spokesperson for the Education Authority confirmed the incident involved a school bus operated by a privately contracted provider and said: "Our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by the incident."
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said there was "deep sadness" in the area after the crash.
"It is miraculous that all the children on board escaped with only minor injuries. Nonetheless, this will have been a frightening and traumatic experience for them and it is important they receive the support they need in the days and weeks ahead," he said.
He added: "This is a shocking and sad incident that has affected many people in our community, but most of all the driver's family. I know local people will rally around the St Paul’s pupils and the family of the deceased at this very difficult time."
Additional reporting PA
