Meath TD speaks of 'absolute devastation' in area following fatal collision

Vivienne Clarke

Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin TD for Meath East, has spoken of the “absolute devastation” in the Gormanston area following yesterday’s crash in which two people died.

Two men were killed, and several people were hospitalised in a three-vehicle crash involving a bus, a truck and a car.

At least 12 people were injured in the collision, which took place on the R132 in Gormanston at about 6.30am.

The lorry driver, who was in his 40s, and the driver of the Bus Éireann coach, a man in his 50s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast on Tuesday, Mr O’Rourke extended thoughts and prayers on behalf of the community to the families of the bereaved.

“It is absolutely devastating in the run into to Christmas for people. I know there are a number of injuries as well, some of them serious, and just to wish them well, I know they are in the thoughts of the local community as well and hope that they make a full recovery," he said.

"No one can imagine what it's like to get that call from the gardaí or the visit from the gardai with notice that a loved one has been killed on the roads.”

Mr O’Rourke added that he knew the family of one of the bereaved, and it was a devastating loss for everyone involved.

"That road, it's a busy road, it's well used. Tens of thousands of people use it on a daily basis, including on the 101 bus; they use it without incident and then for a set of circumstances to arise where lives are lost, it is deeply tragic, and I know the communities where the two men are from will support the families at this difficult time.”