Bus driver dies in horror smash

Trucker also loses life at scene

- BY PAUL HEALY

THE Bus Eireann driver who was killed in a horrific collision yesterday that also claimed the life of a lorry driver has been named locally as Paul Conway.

Mr Conway, who was in his 50s, died when the Route 101 bus he was driving collided with a bus and a car on the R132 in Gormanston, Co Meath at around 6:30am.

The three vehicle crash, which saw upwards of 12 people injured in total, took place close to the Huntsman Inn, on a busy stretch of road.

Jean O'Sullivan, CEO, Bus Eireann spoke of the loss of one of their drivers: "We are devastated by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of our Bus Eireann driver who has sadly lost his life, and with the family and friends of the driver of the other vehicle who also passed away.

"Our thoughts are also with the other driver's family, with our passengers and with the occupants of the third vehicle who have been injured and are receiving care in hospital.

"At Bus Eireann, safety is our highest priority, and we of course are cooperating with the relevant authorities. We remain committed to supporting all those affected and assisting the authorities in every way we can.

The truck driver, named as Wesley O'Reilly, from Skerries, north Co Dublin and in his 40s, also died at the scene while the driver of the car was rushed by emergency services to Dublin's Beaumont Hospital, where she is fighting for her life in a critical condition.

A female teenage passenger in the woman's car was taken to Temple Street Children's Hospital, where she is understood to be in a serious condition.

INJURIES