Bus driver from Northern Ireland killed in school coach crash in Belgium

A bus driver from Northern Ireland has been killed when a coach carrying 34 school children from an Essex school in the UK was involved in crash at the A18 (E40) at Midderlkerke, West Flanders in Belgium Sunday morning (28 June).

The driver has been identified as James 'Geordie' Chance, BBC said. Another driver, also from Northern Ireland is believed to be seriously injured.

The Brentwood School said that 25 of its pupils on the coach trip are now already on their way back home by car.

"Two children remain in hospital, one in intensive care with a serious head injury, and one being treated for a fractured leg. Both pupils are with their parents.

"Another coach is expected to have already left Belgium with the remaining seven pupils and members of staff, the school added.

The Brentwood School said that a coach travelling to Cologne, Germany with 34 first and second year pupils and six teachers were involved in a collision near Ostend in Belgium.

Brentwood School is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18 years of age.

The coach involved in the crash belongs to Richmond Coaches of Lisburn.