HEADTEACHERS at Llanfair Caereinion’s two schools say they have been left “shocked” by Monday’s events when a bus collided with a number of pupils – resulting in three being airlifted to hospital.

Representatives from Llanfair Caereinion Primary School and Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion said it was an “anxious time” for teachers, pupils and parents following the incident, which occurred just as the school day was coming to a close on Monday, May 23.

The collision resulted in five people being taken to hospital – including four pupils from the primary school as well as the bus driver. Injuries believed to have been suffered by some of the children include a fractured skull and eye socket, a broken pelvis and crush wounds, a broken collar bone and ribs as well as facial injuries.

Three children were airlifted to hospital – two are believed to have been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool; the other is believed to have been transferred to hospital in Birmingham.

Another child and an adult were taken to hospital by land ambulance, the Welsh Ambulance Service confirmed. The remaining child was discharged at the scene. All five children are described as being primary school aged.

The Wales Air Ambulance confirmed their presence at the scene, with several witnesses reporting that four helicopters attended in total.

Laura Jones, acting headteacher at Llanfair Caereinion Primary School, said: “Yesterday’s incident has shocked everyone at the school.

“I would like to thank the quick response of emergency services and school staff who attended the scene to help those who were injured. I would also like to thank parents for their understanding while the incident was ongoing.

“As a school, we are supporting both staff and pupils during this difficult time. We will also support and help those families that have seen their loved ones injured in any way we can.”

In a joint statement from Terry Phillips, chair of the governing body, and acting headteacher Edward Baldwin, from Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion said: “This has been a difficult 24 hours for both schools, but we will continue to support each other over the coming days and weeks.

“I would like to thank all those that helped, including the emergency services. It was an anxious time, especially for staff and parents and I would like to thank them for remaining calm and for their understanding while the emergency services were at the scene.

“We will be supporting staff and pupils during this difficult time, including those who are taking part in examinations and assessments.”

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Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that the incident occurred around 3.25pm on School Lane, just off Neuadd Lane, adding that there had been no pupils on the bus that was involved in the incident.

“The bus has been removed for forensic examination and the road has reopened,” they said on Tuesday morning.

“Police Community Support Officers and school community police officers will be attending the school this morning to provide support.”

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “Three of the five children were flown to hospital for treatment, while another child and an adult were taken to hospital by land ambulance. The remaining child was discharged at scene.”

Dr Caroline Turner, the chief executive of Powys County Council, added: “Our thoughts are with all those who were injured in yesterday’s incident and we wish them a speedy recovery.

“Officers from the council’s schools service are at both schools today to provide help and support to staff and pupils during this difficult time.

“The council will support any investigation into the incident by the appropriate authorities.”