LAST UPDATE | 5 Feb

A PEDESTRIAN in his 80s was killed and three others taken to hospital for treatment after a double-decker Bus Éireann bus crashed on North Earl Street in Dublin city centre this afternoon. 

Multiple emergency vehicles attended the scene in the immediate aftermath of the crash and streets in the surrounding area were closed.

The man in his 80s was pronounced dead at the scene and a Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to the family of the deceased.

A second male pedestrian in his 20s is being treated for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the bus, a woman in her 50s, and a female pedestrian in her 30s are being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Restrictions are in place around the scene, which has been preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and local traffic and pedestrian diversions are in place.

President Catherine Connolly has expressed her “deepest condolences” to the man who was killed and thanked the emergency services for their “swift attendance”.

She also sent her “best wishes to those injured and wish them a speedy recovery, as well as to all those impacted by today’s event”.

It’s believed some people were trapped in the initial aftermath of the crash, which happened in a pedestrianised area a short distance down the street from the junction with Talbot Street.

Bus Éireann said the bus was not in service at the time and its CEO Jean O’Sullivan said she is “profoundly saddened by this tragic incident”.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said he was “truly shocked” by the fatal incident and added that he is being kept informed on the latest developments.

He said Bus Éireann is “offering its full support to the relevant authorities and will provide any additional assistance required”.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang as the vehicle crashed at a row of shops on the busy street, which is close to the Spire on the city’s northside.

A tent was erected around the crash site and a garda cordon put in place as emergency services responded.

A garda spokesperson said gardaí attended to the fatal incident shortly after 12.30pm.

Gardaí have requested that if anyone has photographs or video of the incident to not share them but to make them available to the Garda investigation team at Store Street Garda Station.

Anyone with information about this incident who was in the area of North Earl Street between 12:15pm and 12:45pm can contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Meanwhile, Dublin Fire Brigade said over 20 firefighter/paramedics and advanced paramedics responded in multiple vehicles, including some equipped with heavy rescue tools.

It’s understood the incident is being treated as a road crash.

The Luas Green Line was not operating for some time between Stephen’s Green and the Parnell stop in the wake of the crash, but all Green Line services were back operating as normal from around 4.10pm.

A number of bus routes were also disrupted.

It’s expected businesses in the North Earl Street area will remain closed for the day. 

The scene of the crash on North Earl Street in Dublin. Sasko Lazarov Sasko Lazarov

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed the fatality in the Dáil and said his “thoughts are with the family of the person who has been fatally injured and the people who are in the hospital”. 

Local Labour TD Marie Sherlock, reacting to the news, said it was one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city, with people from all over going about their business. She said she was thinking of all those who are waiting anxiously for news about their loved ones.

Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who also represent the area, expressed their shock at the news. 

“For those in the city, please avoid the area and give emergency services the room to work. It’s essential during this time to follow guidance through official channels and reliable news sources,” Gannon said. 

“We thank gardaí, Dublin Fire Brigade, ambulance crews and all first responders for their professionalism and courage,” McDonald’s statement said. 

“At this stage, our priority must be the well-being and recovery of those hurt, and the full support of their families.”

She urged anyone who witnessed the incident to follow garda guidance and to assist with their inquiries.