18 children in hospital after bus crash in Airdrie

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-34220102

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Eighteen children were taken to hospital after a school bus and a car crashed in North Lanarkshire.

The double-decker and Vauxhall Insignia collided on Petersburn Road, near Dunrobin Primary, Airdrie, at 08:40.

Pupils from Caldervale High School and a four-year-old girl who was in the car were taken to Monklands and Wishaw Hospitals as a precaution.

The 17 school pupils were later released. The bus driver, 65, and car driver, 30, both men, were not injured.

Karen Kubica, head teacher of Caldervale High School, said: "There was an accident involving a school bus from Chapelhall and a car on Petersburn Road this morning at around 08:40.

"On receiving a report about the accident, school staff attended the scene of the accident immediately to assist emergency services.

"The majority of pupils from the bus were able to be accompanied to school by school staff."

'Support and care'

Ms Kubica said 21 pupils were assessed for minor injuries at the scene of the accident.

The children were taken to Monklands Hospital and Wishaw Hospital. All were treated for minor injuries and later released.

"School staff attended hospital and waited until parents were able to meet their children," Ms Kubica said.

"We are extremely grateful to the emergency services and staff at Dunrobin primary school for their professionalism, support and care.

There were no details of any injuries to the four-year-old girl.

Petersburn Road remains closed while police investigate the crash.

It is understood that the bus carrying the pupils was travelling from the Chapelhall area.