A TEENAGE schoolgirl was killed and her nine-year-old cousin seriously injured when an articulated lorry struck their school bus in Co Tyrone yesterday morning.
The bus, carrying 15 pupils from two local schools, was turning off the Dungannon to Ballygawley road near St Mary's primary school in Cabragh at about 8.30am when it was struck.
The bus was almost pushed off the road by the force of the crash while the lorry spun across the A4 road. The 44-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and questioned by the PSNI. He has been released pending further investigations.
The dead girl was named as Nicola Murray (16), who was studying for her GCSE exams this summer at St Ciaran's school in Ballygawley. Her twin sister is also a pupil there.
Her nine-year-old cousin is critically ill in a Belfast hospital. She was first taken to Craigavon Area Hospital in Co Armagh where five others were treated for less serious injuries. They were aged between seven and 17. The bus driver was also injured.
Known locally for its serious crashes, the road is undergoing a three-year, multimillion-pound upgrade programme. The North's Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy performed the sod-cutting ceremony for the planned dual carriageway earlier this month.
Five ambulances and crew attended to the injured at the scene which was described by a local witness as one of shock and chaos.
According to the local education and library board, the bus was a modern vehicle fitted with CCTV and seat belts. It is also understood that discipline on the bus was good and that pupils were accustomed to using the restraints. Minister for Education Caitríona Ruane is to report to the Stormont Executive on the incident today. She visited the parents of the dead girl and some of those receiving treatment yesterday. "I have been deeply upset by news of this morning's incident and my thoughts go out to those affected by the accident," she said.
First Minister Ian Paisley said: "Tragic events like this bring home to us all the dangers on our roads. I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragedy involving the school bus."
The principal of St Ciaran's, Aidan Taggart, said: "The staff and students deeply regret the sudden death of one of our students. Our thoughts, prayers and the sympathy of the entire school community is extended to the family at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the students and families of those who have been injured."
A man in his early 30s was killed last night when the jeep in which he was travelling went out of control and collided with a car in Co Cork. The crash happened on the southern side of Rooves Bridge near Coachford at about 7.30pm as the man was travelling towards Farran.
The driver of the jeep was pronounced dead at the scene while a young woman who was driving the car escaped without serious injury.