Pupils safe after County Armagh school bus crash



The head teacher of a County Armagh school has confirmed that children involved in a bus crash in Belleeks are safe and have been collected by their parents.

Emergency services have have been attending the a "significant incident" which happened on the Tullyah Road in the area, which is in between Newtownhamilton and Camlough just after 15:30 GMT.

Dáithí Murray, principal of St Paul's High School in Bessbrook wrote to parents and said the incident would have caused "significant shock" to pupils who were on board.

SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Justin McNulty said that "thankfully around 40 of them (school children) all walked away from the scene and are home".


It is understood the private hire bus was travelling from St Paul's High School towards Whitecross

It is understood the private hire bus was travelling from St Paul's High School towards Whitecross.

Currently five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer and an ambulance doctor are at the scene treating patients. People are being asked to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

"It could have been much more serious but thankfully when an incident involves a school bus crash you hope the worst doesn't happen but thankfully the children have walked away unscathed," said McNulty.

Murray said the school has sought advice from the Education Authority's Critical Incident Response Team who will be available to support pupils affected by the incident. "I would encourage pupils, if they feel well enough, to attend school tomorrow where staff will signpost them to the support services available," he said in his letter. "The thoughts and prayers of the St Paul's community are extended to everyone affected by this serious incident today."

The Education Authority said it was providing "critical incident management support to the school".

"Our critical incident team will be in the school tomorrow to provide emotional support for pupils as required," a spokesperson said. "Our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by the incident."

Speaking at the scene on Tuesday evening, Sinn Féin councillor Declan Murphy said the incident is a "shock to this community".

"I have to commend the emergency services for their swift action," Murphy said. "Our heartfelt sympathy for anybody and everybody that was involved in the accident. Hopefully, particularly the kids, will be able to get over this. There's no doubt about it, it's obviously a shocking experience."

Amazon van rescued from Essex tidal mudflats

This was the moment a stricken Amazon delivery van was rescued from a muddy predicament in Essex.

Coastguards were called to The Broomway at Great Wakering after a driver followed a GPS route to Foulness Island and became stuck.

The new video shows a telehandler lifting the grey vehicle and then driving it onto solid ground. Amazon has confirmed it is investigating the incident which unfolded on Saturday.

The Broomway is a route across flat sands from the shore near Southend-on-Sea to Foulness Island, which is home to a Ministry of Defence firing range.



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The route, said to be 600 years old and covering six miles (10km), is managed by Essex Highways. Qinetiq - a global defence and security company which manages the firing range - describes the path as a "unique right of way which requires both caution and specialist knowledge to negotiate safely".  The full route is not suitable for vehicles, and people are advised to only walk there accompanied by a guide who knows the mudflats.

According to parish council records, 100 people have died on The Broomway, with the last known death in 1919.

In the longer term I suspect that a heritage line will install working conductor rail, in order to run electric units as intended.

What a fantastic piece of work ... I am loving roaming around Scotland with you this evening.

In the longer term I suspect that a heritage line will install working conductor rail, in order to run electric units as intended.

With what stock, I wonder?

Surely the re-nationalisation of the railways is going to 'put an end to delays' and thus avoid the need for the government to pay any compensation? 

Branch Line Weekend Services to make special stops at Eardington


The tiny station building at Eardington, will take centre stage at the SVR's Branch Line Weekend // Credit: Jason Hood

Eardington station is the smallest station on the Severn Valley Railway, with trains usually running straight through, except during galas.

The railway’s upcoming Branch Line Weekend on the 28th February and 1st March will see the station shine with 23 trains scheduled to stop during the event.


Eardington station reopened in 2023. // Credit: SVR

The event celebrated 35 years since the railways’ first DMU arrived, with a range of locomotives set to appear, including Class 108 DMUs, GWR 1450, and GWR 7714.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a historic weekend, visiting the restored station for a standard price. Further information and tickets can be found on their website.

... I am loving roaming around Scotland with you this evening.

Cold health alert issued as temperatures fall across the UK


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During Monday night temperatures dipped as low as -7.2C (19F) in the Highlands and Tuesday night could bring similar figures across parts of eastern Scotland.

Although earlier warnings for snow and ice expired on Tuesday morning, the Met Office warned commuters to remain vigilant due to the risk of black ice and slippery conditions.
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