A man has died after a bus left the road and crashed into a ditch in Westmeath.
There were around 21 people onboard when the incident happened at around 5.30pm on Wednesday in the townland of Killogeenaghan in Moate
The driver of the bus, a 55-year-old man, was seriously injured. He was taken to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore where he died. A post-mortem will take place in due course.
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Gardai say there were around 20 passengers on the bus at the time. Some were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The road is currently closed with local diversions in place while Garda Forensic Collision investigators conduct an examination of the scene this morning.
They have advised motorists to use the M6 motorway and avoid the Athlone to Moate Road in both directions. Gardai have also launched an appeal for witnesses.
A spokesperson said: “Gardai in Moate are investigating a single vehicle fatal road traffic collision that occurred in the townland of Killogeenaghan, Moate, Co. Westmeath this evening Wednesday 4th January, 2023 at approximately 5.30pm.
“A male bus driver, 55 years, was seriously injured when the bus he was driving left the road and collided with a ditch. He was removed from the scene to the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore in a serious condition and later passed away. A post mortem will take place in due course.
“There were approximately twenty (20) passengers on the bus at the time and some were removed to hospital to be treated with non-life threatening injuries. The road is currently closed and local diversions are in place. Garda Forensic Collision investigators will conduct their examination of the scene in the morning, Thursday 5th January, 2023.
“Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward and any road users with video footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to them.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station (090) 649 8550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
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