Bus Éireann says 'loss of a colleague is a shock' after fatal Meath collision

Ellen O'Donoghue and Eva Osborne

The chief executive of Bus Éireann has said "the loss of a colleague is a shock to everyone” following a fatal collision between a lorry, a bus, and a car in Co Meath on Monday morning.

The collision occurred at around 6:30am on the R132 at Gormanstown on Monday. The driver of the lorry, aged in his 40s, and the driver of the bus, aged in his 50s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The female driver of the car, aged in her 40s, was brought to Beaumont Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

A female passenger of the car, in her teens, was initially brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

A number of other bus passengers were also taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The chief executive of Bus Éireann, Jean O’Sullivan, said the entire company is “devastated by this tragic incident”.

She said “the loss of a colleague is a shock to everyone”, and that the company's thoughts are with everyone impacted by the crash.

In a statement, she added Bus Éireann is cooperating with the authorities and assisting in every way it can.

Forensic specialists continue to examine the scene on Monday evening, and gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.

Local Sinn Féin TD, Darren O’Rourke, said the community is shocked and saddened.

"To wake up to this news in east Meath this morning, a couple of men on their way to work or out at work, and to lose their lives tragically on the roads, it's devastating," he said.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of this morning’s tragic road traffic collision near Gormanstown, Co Meath.

"At this time, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities of those involved. I am wishing for a swift recovery for those injured in the incident.

"I would like to commend the first responders who are attending the scene today for their hard work and professionalism in difficult circumstances.

"My Department is in close contact with Bus Éireann and the NTA and is providing all necessary support.”th