Two men have died in a three-vehicle crash involving a bus, a truck and a car in Co Meath.
At least 12 people were injured in the crash, which took place on the R132 in Gormanston at about 6.30am.
The lorry driver, who was in his 40s, and the driver of the Bus Éireann bus, a man in his 50s, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, a woman in her 40s, was taken to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for treatment of serious injuries.
READ MORE
A teenager who was a passenger in the car was initially taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda before being transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, where she is said to be in a serious condition.
It is understood at least 10 other people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
Bus Éireann confirmed one of its buses was involved in the crash, which took place near the site of the former Huntsman pub.
The R132 is closed pending technical examination by Garda forensic investigators and local diversions have been put in place.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam footage, and were travelling on the R132 at Gormanston between 5.45am and 6.45am are asked to make it available to the Garda.
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.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan expressed his condolences to the families of those involved.
“We’ve had a bad 10 days in respect of tragic road accidents. It’s a terribly traumatic event for obviously the families of the people involved. The message has to go out consistently from Government as we head into Christmas - people need to be as careful as possible as they can be up on the roads,” he said, speaking in Dublin on Monday afternoon.
Local Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“This shocking news comes just over a week after the devastating crash that took the lives of five young people in Dundalk,” the Meath East TD said. “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.”
Sharon Tolan, a local Fine Gael councillor, said the road is a “very busy route”, particularly for commuters going to work, college and school.
“It’s shocking news. Absolutely shocking. It’s such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time. But also those people who were injured, and we’re told there are a number,” she said.
“Any accident like this is traumatising and shocking for communities and road users in general. I’ve had so many calls this morning from local people wondering if I heard any details because their own children or nieces or nephews use the road to get to work or school.”
She added that road safety in the area is one of the biggest issues for her constituents.
Peter Brady, a committee member for the Gormanston Community Association, said the community is “shocked and saddened at the fatalities and the injuries”.
“Two people just doing their job. The 101 bus service is a vital bus service for us here in Gormanston. We’re deeply appreciative of that service,” he said.
“It’s a tragedy beyond comprehension. Coming after the tragedies in Louth, to have this as well, is even more heartbreaking.”
Mr Brady added that it is “a very dangerous road” and a number of people have died on it along the years.
He added that the road has a high volume of traffic, the junctions can be difficult and some of them have no traffic calming measures, which is a concern for local residents.
