Local Community Mourns Lorry Driver Killed in Meath Multi-Vehicle Crash; Bus Éireann Expresses Shock at Colleague’s Loss
In a tragic multi-vehicle collision this morning, the local community is mourning the loss of a lorry driver and a bus driver in Gormanston, Co. Meath. The accident occurred around 6:30 AM on the R132, involving a lorry, a bus from Bus Éireann, and a car.
Details of the Collision
The lorry driver, a man in his 40s, and the bus driver, in his 50s, were both pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased bus driver had served with Bus Éireann for over ten years. Several other individuals sustained injuries, including a woman and a teenage girl who were passengers in the car. They were transported to hospitals in Dublin, with the woman taken to Beaumont Hospital and the girl transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital after initial treatment.
Other passengers involved in the collision received care for non-life-threatening injuries. As a precaution, the R132 road remains closed while forensic teams investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Community Response
- Expressions of Sympathy: Bus Éireann’s CEO, Jean O’Sullivan, offered condolences to the families and colleagues affected by the tragic incident.
- Official Reactions: Local politicians, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee, expressed deep sadness over the event.
- Concerns Over Road Safety: Community leaders stressed the importance of road safety amid numerous recent incidents.
Eugene Drennan, deputy vice president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, described the situation as devastating, emphasizing the pain felt by the community. Additional statements from local representatives highlighted the collective grief and call for solidarity in the face of tragedy.
Investigation and Public Appeal
Gardaí are currently investigating the collision. They have requested that any witnesses or individuals with dash-cam footage of the incident contact them, particularly those traveling on the R132 between 5:45 AM and 6:45 AM.
This incident serves as a painful reminder for all road users about the potential dangers on the roads. Community members are coming together to support those affected, reaffirming the need for increased safety measures.
