Lisburn man killed in coach crash

A local man was tragically killed in Belgium at the weekend when the coach he was on crashed.

James Chance, who worked as a driver for Lisburn based Richmond Coaches, was resting between driving shifts when the coach crashed on a motorway. The driver, named as Stephen Cardwell, was injured in the accident.

The coach was taking 34 children and a number of teachers from Brentwood School, Essex to Cologne when the accident happened.

A teacher has suffered a broken collar bone, one pupil has a head injury but is awake and able to walk and an other pupil has suffered a broken leg.

Brendan McKenna, Director of Richmond Coaches, said: “We are devastated to hear of the death of Mr Chance, who was sitting in the courier seat at the time of the crash.

“Richmond Coaches would like to reassure all families of the children and teachers and none of the injuries sustained are life threatening.

“Out thoughts and prayers are with the families that have been affected by this tragic accident.”

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, who visited Richmond Coaches at the weekend following the accident, said: ““Obviously this is a tragedy for everyone involved and my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two drivers and the school children from Essex.

“We don’t know all the details yet but it is clearly devastating news for all involved.”