Tragic Bus Incident Claims Life of Elderly Pedestrian in Dublin City Centre
Emergency services rushed to the scene of a serious collision in Dublin on Thursday afternoon, where a double-decker bus struck multiple pedestrians on North Earl Street. The incident resulted in the death of a man in his 80s and left three other individuals with injuries.
Details of the Collision and Emergency Response
The crash occurred shortly after 12:30pm at the junction of Talbot Street and Marlborough Street, near the beginning of the pedestrianised area of North Earl Street. A Bus Eireann double-decker was involved in what authorities are treating as a serious traffic collision.
Dublin Fire Brigade reported that more than twenty firefighter-paramedics and advanced paramedics responded to the emergency call. An Garda Siochana established a cordon around the crash site, where a tent was erected. The front window of the bus was completely smashed in the impact.
Casualties and Hospital Treatment
In addition to the fatality, three other people required hospital treatment. A man in his 20s sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while a woman in her 30s also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The bus driver, a woman in her 50s, was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
All injured parties were transported to medical facilities for assessment and treatment following the traumatic incident.
Infrastructure Impact and Witness Appeal
The collision caused significant disruption to public transport services in the area. 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 knocked down during the crash.
Gardai have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision and have made a public appeal for witnesses to come forward with any information that might assist their inquiries.
Official Responses and Condolences
President Catherine Connolly expressed her "deepest condolences" to the family of the deceased pedestrian and thanked emergency services for their swift response. She extended her best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured and acknowledged the impact on all affected by the tragic event.
Bus Eireann Chief Executive Jean O'Sullivan stated the company was "profoundly saddened" by the incident and offered the organisation's "deepest condolences" to the family of the deceased. The company confirmed it is providing full support to authorities conducting the investigation.
Tanaiste Simon Harris described himself as "deeply saddened and shocked" by the crash and expressed gratitude to emergency services. He urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency operations to proceed unimpeded.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, who represents Dublin Central, both offered their thoughts to the injured and bereaved, with McDonald describing the experience as "very frightening" for all involved.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of events that led to this tragic incident in the heart of Ireland's capital city.
