‘Our community is grieving again, far too soon’ – Two dead and several injured in multi-vehicle crash involving bus and lorry in Co Meath

Lorry driver and bus driver die in Gormanston incidentWoman and teenage girl in hospital with serious injuries, and several more people hurt

The collision, involving a lorry, a bus and a car, occurred on the R132 in Gormanston at about 6.30am.

The driver of the lorry, aged in his 40s, and the driver of the bus, aged in his 50s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, aged in her 40s, was brought to Beaumont Hospital for treatment for serious injuries.

The female passenger of the car, aged in her teens, was initially brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and then transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for treatment for serious injuries.

A number of other people have also been taken to hospital for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

A spokesperson for Bus Éireann said: “Bus Éireann can confirm one of our route 101 services has been involved in a critical road traffic collision involving other vehicles in the Gormanstown Cross area of county Meath this morning.

“Emergency services and Bus Éireann personnel are currently at the scene. We will provide further information as it becomes available.”

The 101 route serves Dublin to Drogheda via Balbriggan and Dubiln Airport, and runs a 24-hour service.

The R132, which was the old N1 route, remains closed and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí at the scene of the collision involving a bus, truck and a car in Co Meath. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins

The R132 will remain closed pending technical examination by garda forensic collision investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam video, and were traveling on the R132, at Gormanstown, between 5.45am and 6.45am this morning, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ashbourne garda station on (01) 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

‘Devastating’

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Meath East TD Helen McEntee said she is “deeply saddened to hear of the tragic multi-vehicle collision in Gormanstown”.

“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the two men who lost their lives. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” she said.

“This tragedy feels especially heavy coming so soon after the horrific crash that claimed the lives of five young people. Our community is grieving again, far too soon, and the weight of that loss is felt by us all.

“My thoughts are also with those who were injured and I wish them a full and speedy recovery. I want to acknowledge and sincerely thank the gardaí and all the emergency services who responded with such professionalism and compassion in the face of yet another heartbreaking incident.”

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence and Meath East TD, Thomas Byrne, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life in the multiple-vehicle crash this morning in Gormanston.

“My heart goes out to the families of those who were killed. I offer my sincere condolences to their loved ones. We are also thinking of all those injured, this is a heartbreaking tragedy for all those involved and their families.

“I want to thank the gardaí, the fire crews, ambulance and paramedic personnel, and all the emergency services for their professionalism in dealing with incredibly difficult circumstances this morning. Today is another reminder of the vital role they play in our community.”

Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke described the incident as “devastating”.

“I want to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives,” he said. “This shocking news comes just over a week after the devastating crash that took the lives of five young people in Dundalk.

“I want to thank the emergency services at the scene and hope for a speedy recovery for all of those injured.

“I know our local communities will rally around in support of those involved in the collision and their families, who no doubt will be in a complete state of shock at this time. We must stand in solidarity with the families during this devastating time.”

Independent councillor Amanda Smith, who represents Ashbourne, said: “The whole community is in shock. Two people have died. It’s an awful thing to happen. I heard about the crash this morning from local people, then it was online. No one has said if they know anyone involved but everyone is absolutely saddened.

“There have been a number of road incidents in Meath and all over the country recently. It’s terrible. My condolences to everyone and to thank all those emergency services for what they did today. They’re fantastic. I’m thinking of those who’ve died today and their loved ones and we will be praying for them.”

Fianna Fáil councillor for Meath East Stephen McKee said: “We are sadly reminded once more about the danger on our roads.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have tragically lost their lives and those who have been injured. It is a traumatic event for those affected.

“I pay tribute to gardaí and our emergency services who responded and who continue to respond to this tragedy. It is a very dark day for the Meath East community.”

A local businessman said: “It’s very upsetting, as you just don’t expect this level of tragedy to happen on the road nearby. This has really impacted everyone locally. Everyone’s just thinking of the families.”

Louth incident

Separately, emergency services attended the scene of a multi-vehicle car crash on the M1 in Co Louth, which closed part of the motorway for a time.

The incident took place shortly before 8.45am this morning near Junction 10 on the M1 northbound, just west of Drogheda.

The motorway northbound was closed between Junction 10 (N51, Drogheda North) and Junction 11 (Monasterboice) for a several hours with all lanes affected and major delays for road users.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland advised road users to take alternative routes.

The incident was cleared by about 11am.

More to follow…