Gary Smyth has been speaking of the moment he feared the worst and that people had died after the vehicle carrying dozens of pupils crashed in Northern Ireland.
A hero plasterer has revealed how he used a hammer to smash windows and help rescue schoolchildren who were crying for help after their double-decker bus crashed.
He was thanked by a relieved father of two schoolgirls who were on board the bus which ended up sideways in a field on Ballyblack Road East near Carrowdore and Strangford, a village 30 miles from Belfast. It was revealed at the time that a man with a hammer had smashed the vehicle's glass windows to reach children and help get them released.
'It just happened so quickly. This was something you don’t want to see. Through the cracked glass, you could see the panic in their faces. The double-decker had been carrying 43 pupils from Strangford College to Bangor when it overturned and ended up on its side in a field. Mr Currie told of his fear after receiving a phone call from his wife that there had been an accident and rushing to the scene.
Mr Currie said: 'When we heard the news, it was coming in drips and drabs, it was a very fast-moving situation and you were having to piece together different things you were hearing from other parents and what you were seeing on Facebook. DUP MP Mr Shannon today said he did not want to speculate on the reasons for the crash, stating his priority was the welfare of the pupils.
And Mr Currie said his daughters Edie and Tilly probably 'won't be on a school bus for a while', adding: 'We're certainly not going to pressurise them. We're going to have to make alternative arrangements for a wee while.' 'Then there was this guy came down with a hammer and the windows were all being smashed so we could get out.
The Education Authority has said it will work with Strangford College to provide support for any children affected by the events.
News Northern Ireland Belfast DUP BBC
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
80s football hero Gary Shaw dies from fall at his homeAston Villa legend Gary Shaw has died, with the club saying they are 'deeply shocked and profoundly saddened' at his passing.
Read more »
Man United hero Gary Neville 'joins' band for live shows in new career moveThe former Man Utd captain and England defender - who is a regular on our TV screens with Sky Sports - is set to try his hand in the world of music as a temporary bassist for The Reytons.
Read more »
Clubs and players pay their tributes to Aston Villa hero Gary ShawThe sporting world has paid tribute to Villa legend Gary Shaw.
Read more »
Gary Lineker reacts to Lee Carsley criticism after Everton hero suffers national anthem backlashThe interim England manager caused a media stir by not singing the national anthem before Saturday's game
Read more »
Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody Calls For More Support For Northern Irish ArtistsGary Lightbody, the lead singer of Snow Patrol, has expressed concern that no band from Northern Ireland has achieved international success this century. He spoke about the challenges faced by artists in the region during a meeting with arts leaders and Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Read more »
How to nominate your Northern Ireland BBC SPOTY Unsung Hero for 2024Last year's Northern Ireland winner was Gareth Mahood who runs the Ulster Canoe Club
Read more »