Gardaí search for taxi driver who picked up injured man following explosion
Gardaí investigating a suspected car explosion in Dublin City Centre last night are searching for a taxi driver who they believe picked up an injured man near the scene.
Gardaí were alerted by the Fire Brigade at 10.55pm last night after the blaze was spotted on Long Lane in Dublin 8, while witnesses also reported hearing a loud bang. The Army also attended the scene.
This afternoon, gardaí appealed for witnesses, in particular for a taxi driver who picked up a fare nearby, outside a takeaway or pub, at the New St./Clanbrassil St junction, Dublin 8.
Gardaí believe the male passenger was injured and was bleeding.
Photographer Alan Bennett said he was around the corner when he "heard and felt an explosion."
"I reached Long Lane about 15 seconds later to see a car on fire," he said.
"[There were] a couple of smaller explosions over the next few minutes as more of the car burned."
He said there were three fire engines, two ambulances and a number of garda vehicles attending the scene, the first of which arrived within minutes.
"I am in no doubt there was an explosion," he said.
