Up to eight primary school children were treated in hospital tonight after their bus was involved in a road accident in Co Down.
The coach carrying the children collided with a Volkswagen Transporter van on the Ballydougan Road near Downpatrick.
A spokeswoman said eight children from two local schools were treated for minor injuries in the Downe Hospital.
She added the driver of the van was seriously ill and had been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
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The driver of the van had to be cut from his vehicle following the collision which occurred shortly before 2 p.m.
A police spokesman said one of the children was treated for a hand injury, while the others were treated for shock.
PA