Girl remains critical after Tyrone crash

A nine-year-old girl remains in a critical condition in a Belfast hospital today following a crash in Co Tyrone that killed her cousin.

Nicola Murray (16), a pupil at St Ciaran's High School in Ballygawley, was killed yesterday when an articulated lorry smashed into the school bus she was in.

The bus was carrying 15 children from two local schools when it was hit as it turned into St Mary's Primary School in Cabragh at around 8.30am.

Nicola was pronounced dead at the scene. Her cousin was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Five other children aged between seven and 17 were treated for less serious injuries, and the bus driver was also injured.

The driver (44) of the lorry, which was registered in the Republic, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was later released pending further police investigation.

The stretch of road where the crash took place has seen a number of fatalities in recent years, including that of former Irish rugby coach Mick Doyle, who died in 2004. The road is undergoing a three-year, multimillion-pound upgrade.

Stormont ministers will today discuss the crash at their Cabinet meeting.

© 2008 ireland.com