Children escape injury as school bus crashes in icy conditons

The children and the driver were taken to safety by a resident and the children were later taken to school by taxi.

Police closed the road for some time to allow the vehicle to be recovered. Police said the recovery vehicle was unable to get to the scene until there was a thaw.

The accident occurred around 8.30am. Police said the bus was wedged into the pillar of the garden wall.

A spokesperson for the school said the pupils were on board a 107 Ulsterbus service. "Fortunately none of the pupils sustained injuries and two taxis were dispatched to bring the pupils directly to school," he said.

"All parents were informed and the seven pupils commenced their morning classes. The school wishes to thank the local resident who acted promptly and took the children to a place of safety."

Police say it was nearly 12.30 before the bus could be recovered and the road opened again.

A spokesperson for Translink said: "Translink can confirm that an Ulsterbus service was involved in an incident due to black ice at approximately 8.30am on Thursday, January 6 on the Budore Road.

"No passengers were injured. The PSNI were called to the scene.

"The health and safety of our passengers and staff is of paramount importance at all times."