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Local MLAs have expressed their condolences to the family of the highly respected bus driver who died following a collision on the Tullyagh Road in Belleeks yesterday.
Pupils from St Paul's High School who were on board at the time escaped with only minor injuries.
Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said his thoughts were with the driver's family. "My thoughts, and the thoughts of the wider community, are with the driver's family following this tragic death. This will have been an awful shock for them and from the tributes paid it is clear he was highly regarded and respected by colleagues."
McNulty also acknowledged the impact the incident will have had on the young passengers. "It is miraculous that all the children on board escaped with only minor injuries. Nonetheless, this will have been a frightening and traumatic experience for them and it is important they receive the support they need in the days and weeks ahead."
Fellow Newry & Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan also expressed her condolences, saying: "We are profoundly sad to learn of the driver's death. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, work colleagues, and the students who knew him at this heartbreaking time. He was carrying out his work when this tragedy occurred, and his loss has had a deep impact on the local community."
Finnegan added: "While there is relief that no children were seriously injured, today our focus is on a life that has been lost," and asked that the privacy of those affected be respected. "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
McNulty echoed that sentiment, saying he was confident the wider community would come together at this difficult time. "This is a shocking and sad incident that has affected many people in our community, but most of all the driver's family. I know local people will rally around the St Paul's pupils and the family of the deceased at this very difficult time."
