A woman was seriously injured after a car collided with a bus carrying children in Co Limerick

A major rescue operation is underway in Ballylanders, Co. Limerick, after a car and a bus carrying children collided this afternoon.

A large number of ambulances, Guard Two helicopters arrived at the scene.

It is known that several people were injured. The woman with serious injuries was transported by helicopter to hospital.

Shannon-based Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 115 was tasked but was later withdrawn.

A Garda spokesman said: “Just before 3pm, Gardaí and emergency services received reports of a collision between a car and a bus on the R513 in Ballylanders, Co. Ballylanders. Limerick.

“One of the car’s occupants, an adult female, was airlifted to Cork University Hospital with serious injuries.”

They added: “All bus passengers were examined on site and no one required immediate hospitalization. The road is currently closed to traffic, with local detours in place.

Additional reporting by Marija Voznuka.