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Bus Driver Dies in School Bus Crash in Northern Ireland

Published 18 February 2026

A bus driver died after the vehicle he was operating flipped over while transporting about 40 schoolchildren in rural Northern Ireland on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on Tullyah Road in Belleeks, County Armagh, leaving the community in shock but with all the children emerging unharmed.

The private hire bus, operated by Quinn Coaches, was traveling from St. Paul's High School in Bessbrook toward Whitecross when it overturned and came to rest on its side, partially over a hedge. Eyewitnesses reported seeing children climb out through the windows and roof of the wreckage as first responders arrived. Emergency services, including police, ambulances, and fire crews, were dispatched shortly after the 3:38 p.m. call to the scene. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service described it as a significant incident and sent five ambulances, two advanced paramedics, one officer, and an ambulance doctor to treat those involved. Police closed the B134 Tullyah Road in both directions between Newtownhamilton and Camlough, advising motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Quinn Coaches confirmed the driver's death in a statement, expressing deep sorrow...

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