Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Co Meath: Two Dead and Several Injured as Bus and Lorry Collide; M1 Partially Closed After Separate Incident
Two drivers tragically lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash in Gormanstown, County Meath. The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. on the R132, involving a lorry, a bus, and a car. The lorry driver, a man in his 40s, and the bus driver, a man in his 50s, were pronounced dead at the scene by gardaí.
Injured in the collision were a woman in her 40s, the car’s driver, who was transported to Beaumont Hospital for serious injuries. A teenage girl, also a passenger in the car, was initially taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and later transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Details of the Incident
Several others sustained injuries; however, those injuries are not life-threatening. The Bus Éireann service involved in the collision was route 101, connecting Dublin to Drogheda via Balbriggan. Following the crash, emergency services, including Bus Éireann personnel, were dispatched to the scene, and local road diversions were established.
- Time of accident: 6:30 a.m.
- Location: R132, Gormanstown, County Meath
- Fatalities: Lorry driver (40s) and bus driver (50s)
- Injured: Car driver (serious) and passenger (teen, serious), others (non-life-threatening injuries)
- Involved Vehicles: Lorry, bus, car
Investigation and Community Reaction
The R132 will remain closed as garda forensic collision investigators carry out a detailed examination. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, especially those with dash-cam footage recorded between 5:45 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. on the day of the incident. Anyone with information can contact Ashbourne Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line.
Sinn Féin TD Darren O’Rourke expressed his condolences to the families affected, describing the news as “devastating.” He urged community solidarity during this tragic time. Independent councillor Amanda Smith echoed these sentiments, observing that the entire community is in shock over the incident.
Separate Incident on the M1
In a related note, emergency services also responded to a different multi-vehicle accident on the M1 in County Louth. This occurred near Junction 10 around 8:45 a.m., leading to partial closures of the motorway, which were in effect for a few hours. The situation was cleared by 11 a.m., and major delays were reported before alternate routes were advised.
These incidents highlight an alarming trend of road accidents not just in Meath, but across Ireland, prompting calls for enhanced road safety measures.
