Tragic Bus Collision Claims Life of Elderly Pedestrian in Dublin City Centre
A pedestrian in his eighties has tragically died after being struck by a double-decker bus in Dublin on Thursday afternoon. The fatal incident occurred shortly after 12:30pm at the junction of Talbot Street and Marlborough Street, near the beginning of the pedestrianised North Earl Street area.
Multiple Casualties and Emergency Response
Three other individuals sustained injuries in the collision involving a Bus Eireann double-decker vehicle. Two pedestrians—a man in his twenties and a woman in her thirties—were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, though the man's condition was described as serious. The bus driver, a woman in her fifties, was also taken to hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Emergency services mounted a substantial response to the scene, with An Garda Siochana, Dublin Fire Brigade, and multiple ambulance units attending. More than twenty firefighters and advanced paramedics were deployed to manage the situation. A tent was erected around the crash site, and a garda cordon was established as investigations commenced.
Transport Disruption and Infrastructure Damage
The collision caused significant disruption to public transport services in the vicinity. Luas Green Line services were temporarily suspended between Parnell Street and St Stephen's Green, though they later resumed with initial delays. ESB and public lighting crews were called to the scene after a streetlight was damaged in the crash.
Dramatic footage from the incident showed people screaming and rushing to assist those trapped beneath the bus, with emergency sirens audible in the background. One witness who worked nearby reported hearing a "really big noise" before discovering the collision and immediately contacting emergency services, noting he observed one or two individuals trapped under the vehicle.
Official Statements and Investigations
Bus Eireann issued a statement expressing profound sadness at the tragic incident. Chief Executive Jean O'Sullivan extended the company's deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and stated that thoughts were with all those affected. The transport company confirmed it is offering full support to authorities as investigations continue and will provide any additional assistance required.
Political figures across Ireland expressed their shock and sympathy. Tanaiste Simon Harris said he was "deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic bus crash in Dublin city centre," extending thoughts to the family of the deceased and those injured. Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also offered condolences and thanked emergency responders for their swift action.
Ireland's President Catherine Connolly thanked emergency services for their rapid attendance and sent best wishes for recovery to those injured and all impacted by the event. Gardai have confirmed they are treating the incident as a crash and that investigations remain ongoing. Authorities have appealed for witnesses to come forward with any information about the collision.
