Probes launched and 20 treated after buses collide
Two separate investigations were underway tonight after it was confirmed 20 people were treated in hospital following an accident involving two buses in Waterford city.
The single-deck Bus Éireann vehicles collided on the city’s main quay this morning, a company spokesman said.
One of the buses mounted the pavement and crashed into a lamp post near a bus stop.
A number of the injured were on the bus at the time, while others were waiting to board it.
A spokeswoman for the South Eastern Health Board said six ambulances were despatched and arrived at the scene of the accident within minutes.
“A total of 20 people have been assessed at the Accident & Emergency unit at Waterford Regional Hospital,” she said.
“All cases were classified as minor injuries. One person has been held for observation but all others have been discharged.”
Bus Éireann said it would be drafting in outside experts to determine how the accident occurred, while the gardaí have also launched an investigation.
A statement from Bus Éireann said it was providing a counselling service for staff, passengers and others affected by the incident.
“The company will also provide any other assistance which may be required by persons involved or affected,” it said.
“A full investigation, which will have the assistance of external experts in this field, is already in progress to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident.”
Many of those who were transported to hospital by ambulance were suffering from shock.
The accident caused major traffic delays in the area for over an hour after it occurred at 11am.
