First picture of ‘heroic’ dad-of-five killed in school bus crash as tragic kids ‘attempting to assist’ details emerge

THE “heroic” bus driver killed after a Co Armagh school bus crash has been named locally as dad-of-five John McSorley.

The bus was carrying 40 school children when the crash occurred in Belleeks, Armagh shortly before 3.45pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Five ambulances, fire appliances and PSNI officers raced to the scene of the “significant” incident where the bus was on its side in a ditch.

All 40 children from St Paul’s High School escaped the crash unharmed but it was later confirmed driver John McSorley died at the scene.

The Keady native was honoured in a social media post by his employer Quinn Coaches, who operate the school bus involved, on Tuesday night.

Further tributes have now poured in for the late driver as new details reveal children onboard the bus attempted to “assist” him after the crash.

Fr Malachy Murphy, parish priest in Loughgilly, expressed his “shock” following the fatal crash.

He said: “It was with shock that the parish and wider community received the news of the tragic accident involving a coach, returning pupils home from St. Paul’s Secondary School, Bessbrook.

“It was compounded when the news came through that the driver, Mr. John McSorley, had passed away at the scene.”

The priest continued: “Furthermore, we commend the bravery and quick thinking of the pupils on the bus.

“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. The parish of Loughgilly and wider community send our condolences and our prayers to all families involved.”

Newry-based company Quinn’s coaches issued a statement today thanking the students involved for their “remarkable strength” in the aftermath of Tuesday’s crash.

They said: “Following Tuesday’s tragic events, we would like to sincerely thank the students on board our coach for their bravery, calmness and quick thinking in the moments after the incident.

“Their courage in helping one another and supporting their classmates showed remarkable strength and compassion.

“We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents who responded so quickly and supported their children with such care and composure.”

Bosses Phelim and Conleth Quinn added: “We are profoundly grateful to everyone in our Quinn Coaches team, family, friends, neighbours and the wider community for the overwhelming support, kindness and condolences shown.

“Your prayers, messages and kind gestures have brought great comfort at this time. Please continue to keep John, his family and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”

The late John McSorley has been described as “loving father” and is survived by his children Darren, Rose, Grace, Jack and Faith.

He is also “deeply regretted” by his siblings Elizabeth, Maura, Deirdre, Philomena, Barbara, Antoinette, Jessica, Sheila, Hugh and Stephen, his nieces, nephews and wider circle of family and friends.

The family have confirmed John’s funeral details will be released later today.

Paying tribute MLA Justin McNulty said John was “heroic in his death”.

Another condolence message for the driver described him as the “epitome of a professional gentleman”.

One mourner said: “A huge loss! All the children were so fond of him. We will be forever grateful.”

Another added: “Rip a big loss to the children who got this bus everyday. Thinking of everyone at this time.”

One added: “The poor man God bless his soul but what a hero.”

And another said: “Forever grateful to John , the children will miss you rest in peace.”