School bus driver who died after Newry collision named as Keady man John McSorley
A school bus driver who died died at the scene of an accident outside Newry has been named locally as Keady-father-of-five, John McSorley.
The incident happened on Tuesday when Mr McSorley was driving a bus carrying 40 pupils from St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook.
The PSNI said the single-vehicle incident happened in the Tullyah Road area of Belleeks between Newtownhamilton and Camlough.
Police said the driver of the vehicle passed away at the scene.
The bus left the road and was found lying at a 45 degree angle in a field.
None of the pupils were seriously injured.
A parish priest praised them for trying to help the stricken driver.
In a statement on social media, Loughgilly parish priest Fr Malachy Murphy said that it was “with shock” that the parish and wider community received the news of the tragic accident.
“It was compounded when the news came through that the driver, Mr John McSorley, had passed away at the scene,” he said.
“We send our sympathies to John's family at this tragic time and our prayers to all those young pupils who were involved in this tragic incident.
“We also wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services who attended the scene with dedication and professionalism during a difficult time. Their swift response and care are deeply appreciated.”
Pupils on board attempted to help the driver, he said, commending the bravery and quick thinking of the pupils.
“Their courage in exiting the vehicle, aiding their fellow schoolmates, and attempting to assist the driver until help arrived exemplifies the true spirit of compassion and bravery in the face of adversity. The parish is proud of the pupils, who would have attended our local primary schools.”
A family notice said that Mr McSorley was from Keady, and was the son of the late Anthony and Jesse and brother of the late Liam.
He also was a loving father to Darren, Rose, Grace, Jack and Faith, it added.
His sisters were Elizabeth, Maura, Deirdre, Philomena, Barbara, Antoinette, Jessica and Sheila and brothers are Hugh and Stephen.
Funeral arrangements are to be confirmed.