Four people including a school student have been taken to hospital following a crash.
The incident, involving a car and a school bus, took place on the Downpatrick Road in Clough, Co Down and was reported around 8.35am this morning.
It is understood the bus had been carrying students to St Malachy's High School in Castlewellan when the crash occurred, Belfast Live reports.
Police subsequently closed the road and emergency services, including the charity Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, paramedics and firefighters were scrambled.
A Translink spokesperson said: " We can confirm a bus operating a school service to Castlewellan was involved in a collision with a car near Clough at approximately 8.35am this morning.
"Emergency services were called to the scene.
"Both occupants of the car were taken to hospital.
"The bus driver was also taken to hospital as was one student. Initial reports suggest their injuries are not serious.
"We will work with the PSNI on their investigation."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police are currently at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on Downpatrick Road in Clough involving a bus and a car, which occurred shortly before 8:40am.
"The male driver of the car and his male passenger have been taken to hospital. The driver of the bus was also hospitalised.
"Twelve pupils were on board the bus; two of whom have been treated at the scene by paramedics. A third pupil on the bus was taken from the scene to hospital for treatment. We believe, at this time, the injuries of the pupils’ on board the bus are non-life threatening.
"Our officers remain at the scene on Downpatrick Road, which is closed, and which will remain closed for some time as we deal with the collision.
"We would ask that drivers avoid the area and use an alternative route. We will bring you more information as soon as we are able to."
The school has been contacted for comment.
