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More than 30 passengers hurt after bus overturns in Belfast Around 30 passengers hurt after bus overturns in Belfast
(about 1 hour later)
More than 30 people have been injured after a double-decker bus overturned close to Central Station near Belfast city centre. Around 30 people have been injured after a double-decker bus overturned close to Central Station near Belfast city centre.
They have been taken to four hospitals in the city. Some passengers were put on spinal boards, but none of the injuries are serious. Some passengers were put on spinal boards, but none of the injuries are serious.
It is understood that cutting equipment was used to free the driver from the bus. Five other people received medical treatment at the scene.
The Albertbridge Road and Oxford Street have been closed. It is understood that cutting equipment was used to free the driver from the bus who was badly injured.
Ciaran Rogan from bus company, Translink, said the accident happened around 14:15 BST.
"A double-decker bus travelling towards Belfast city centre mounted the curb just outside Central Station and collapsed on its side," he said.
"The passengers to the best of our knowledge could be described as walking wounded. They have been taken to four hospitals in the city.
"The driver was a bit more seriously injured. He had to be cut from the cab and has been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital."
Neil Green works in the Santander building opposite the station.
"We all went to look out of the window because there was such a loud bang," he said.
"The police cordoned off the area and we could not get out of the side alley to our building.
"Looking out of the window at it now, I can see that the emergency windows are open where people were evacuated. The front of the bus looks really badly mangled."
'Facts'
Mr Rogan said it was too early to say if the accident had been caused by mechanical failure or human error.
"At the moment between our engineering staff and the police, who are taking the lead in terms of the investigation, all we know are the facts of the incident," he said.
"The bus mounted the curb, hit a wall at the side of the pavement and fell onto its side.
"Beyond that we are not in a position to say what caused it."
He said an emergency plan was put into action as soon as the incident happened.
"It is very exceptional that you would have any incident like this," he said.
"I don't think there is anyone I have spoken to who can remember something like this happening before.
"The fact that it is so unusual means the investigation will have to be fairly rigorous and until we find out the results of that investigation, it's impossible to say exactly why it happened."
The bus is being removed for examination.
Rail services are continuing to operate as normal from Central Station.
The Albertbridge Road and East Bridge Street remain closed.