At least five people have been killed and 17 have been injured after two double-decker buses collided on Dublin's Wellington Quay this afternoon.
Three women and two men were killed. It is understood one of the dead was a non-national.
The injured have been brought to St James's, St Vincent's, the Mater and James Connolly hospitals. At least five are in a serious condition.
A witness told
ireland.comone of the buses, the No 66 to Maynooth, was taking on passengers at a bus stop outside the Clarence Hotel at around 1.25 p.m.
The other bus, a 748 Airlink, appeared to swerve to the inside of the first vehicle, mounting the pavement and ploughing into the bus queue.
A number of people were trapped under the bus which was not carrying any passengers at the time.
A Garda spokesman said the exact details of the cause of the crash were unclear.
Ambulance and fire crews have left the scene, which is near the junction of Parliament Street and the quays, but a large garda presence remains.
The south quays have been sealed off from Aston Quay to Wood Quay. Capel Street bridge has also been closed off.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, arrived on the scene to extend his sympathies to the families of all the dead and injured. He said it was "a terrible carnage" and described the scene as "a dreadful sight". The President, Mrs Mary McAleese, also expressed her shock at the news.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, also visited the scene. He described it as a "terrible tragedy" and said he had been assured of a full investigation by CIÉ management. D ublin Bus also said they will launch an inquiry.
Gardai from Pearse Street are investigating, and have appealed for witnesses to contact them.
