Statement in Response to Recent Incident in Westport
September 30, 2024
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October 8, 2024Dublin, Ireland – 08.10.2024
The Order of Malta responded promptly to a major road traffic incident involving a school bus that occurred yesterday afternoon on Ballyblack Road East near Carrowdore, County Down. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) declared a major incident due to the number of passengers involved and immediately requested activation of the Order of Malta Ireland’s emergency response capabilities to support their efforts at the scene.
Eight of our ambulance crews were dispatched immediately upon receipt of the NIAS request for support. The Order of Malta teams were available to work alongside NIAS and other emergency services to assess, treat, and assist those affected by the incident, ensuring a swift and effective response.
The double-decker school bus, carrying 43 pupils and the driver, was en route from Strangford Integrated College to Bangor when it overturned. Emergency services, including a specialist rescue team, attended the scene. Thirty-three individuals were assessed and treated at the scene for minor injuries. Four pupils with non-life-threatening injuries were transported to local hospitals for further care.
The Order of Malta’s, National Director, Cmdr. Brian Coote expressed gratitude for the swift coordination and professionalism demonstrated by all emergency responders:
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this distressing incident. We commend the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, who responded rapidly and effectively to assist NIAS in ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved. Our crews remain on standby and ready to provide continued support as needed.”
The Order of Malta’s emergency response teams remain committed to providing critical support in times of need, in close partnership with the statutory emergency services. This incident underscores the importance of collaboration and the readiness of our teams to respond to emergencies when called upon.
For further information, please contact:
Order of Malta Ireland
Email: pr@orderofmalta.ie
Phone: 01 6430000
About the Order of Malta Ireland
The Order of Malta Ireland is a voluntary organisation dedicated to providing first aid, emergency response services, and community care. Our mission is to serve communities through our network of trained volunteers, providing life-saving support and care when it is needed most. Working in close collaboration with emergency services across the Island of Ireland, the Order of Malta is a key partner in ensuring public safety and wellbeing during times of crisis.