Principal’s relief after pupils emerge injured

Principal’s relief after pupils emerge injured

27 February 2013

THE principal of Knockevin Special School said it’s a “miracle” no one was seriously injured in yesterday’s accident.

Mrs. Anne Cooper, who rushed to the Vianstown Road, admits the consequences of what happened could have been very serious.

“Some of the pupils on the bus have severe learning difficulties, experience communication difficulties, have behavioural issues and autism. The accident has left them very distressed, but thankfully none are seriously injured,” she said.

Mrs. Cooper said the children must have experienced a traumatic incident given the fact that the school bus toppled over during the accident.

“Two women who came across the incident provided help and assistance to the children on the bus. I have been told the women were very calm getting the children off the bus and the school cannot thank them enough for what they did.”

Mrs. Cooper also thanked a local woman who lives adjacent to the scene of the accident for taking the children into her home so they could be assessed by medical staff.

The principal continued: “It is a miracle no one was seriously injured when the bus toppled over. There must have been quite an impact for this to happen. Thankfully, the pupils were all individually strapped in and this made a major difference.”

Mrs. Cooper was also thankful the accident happened just a few miles from Knockevin Special School as staff were able to make their way to the Vianstown Road to be with the pupils.

“The staff were able to provide immediate assistance to the children. We also contacted all the parents who made their way to the Vianstown Road to be with their loved ones. We are all so thankful this incident wasn’t much serious.”

Mrs. Cooper added: “The accident highlights the importance of ensuring children travelling on buses are safely strapped in.”