Twelve injured in school bus smash

Twelve primary schoolchildren were injured on Monday afternoon when a bus in which they were travelling was in collision with a lorry at Knockdrin.Three ambulances ferried injured children to the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar, and the youngsters - aged between six and twelve - were treated for a range of injuries, including broken bones, bruising and seat belt burns.One child - a seven year old girl - was detained at the hospital, where she is being treated for head injuries.The driver of the bus was also brought to hospital by ambulance with a suspected broken arm and chest injuries.The children - all pupils at Taughmon NS - were travelling home from school when the accident occurred at around 3.20 p.m.Among those who arrived on the scene within minutes were teachers from Taughmon NS, and, it is understood, a number of parents, who happened to be further back in traffic.TO READ MORE SEE THIS WEEK'S EDITION 22.1.11