Four people are being treated in hospital after a school bus overturned in Northern Ireland.
The mother of one of the children on the double-decker told how pupils were left screaming in fear after the crash.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said 43 people and a driver were on the vehicle when it crashed in Co Down.
Emergency services and a specialist rescue team attended the scene on the Ballyblack Road East near Carrowdore on Monday afternoon.
Images on social media showed the double-decker on its side in a field.
The PSNI described the incident as a “serious road traffic collision”.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it was “with a major incident at Carrowdore involving a bus with up to 70 passengers”.
A spokesperson for the NIAS said: “Following a road traffic incident this afternoon in the Carrowdore area, the Northern Ireland Ambulance declared a major incident, based on the number of resources required to attend the incident.
“Initial reports indicated that approximately 70 people were on board the bus. This figure has been revised to 43 and a driver.
“NIAS has assessed and treated patients at the scene, with four currently requiring further treatment at hospital.
“The remainder have either been, or are in the process of being assessed, with a view to discharging at the scene.”
The NIAS later confirmed that more than 50 of those on board sustained minor injuries, or were uninjured.
Eight others received treatment at the scene for more “significant” injuries, an NIAS spokesperson said.
“NIAS has despatched multiple resources to the scene including doctors, emergency crews, advanced paramedics, rapid response paramedics, ambulance officers and the Air Ambulance with HEMS crew on board,” the spokesperson added.
“The situation is ongoing and NIAS will release more information as it becomes available.”
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Five fire appliances and the specialist rescue team are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision involving an overturned bus on the Ballyblack Road East, Newtownards.”
The road where the incident happened is currently closed and motorists have been asked to avoid the area.
Members of the public who do not require emergency care have been urged to avoid attending Ulster Hospital as staff deal with people injured in the Carrowdore school bus incident.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the South Eastern Trust said the hospital is responding to a major incident involving a school bus earlier on Monday afternoon.
“Our staff in the emergency department are preparing to treat anyone who needs our care,” the statement said.
“We would ask any patient not requiring emergency care to please use alternative services. If your condition is life-threatening, please visit the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital as normal.”
Local SDLP representative Will Polland said concerns had been raised multiple times about the road where the crash occurred.
He told the : “First responders were on the scene as quick as possible and we are incredibly grateful for that.
“Our hearts and prayers go out, not just to those who are unfortunately involved, but those who have responded.
“We are keeping everyone in our hearts and minds at this point.” He added: “This road has had concerns about it raised multiple times.
“I send all my prayers out to everyone involved in the incident.
“It is an absolute tragedy.” A Facebook post from First Ards Presbyterian Church said they were thinking of everyone involved.
The post continued: “Our hearts and our prayers go out to all the students, families and staff who are affected.
“For those in our youth ministries who go to the school, please know we’re especially holding you close in prayer right now.
“If anyone needs a chat, support, or just someone to listen, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.”
