Driver killed and passengers injured after bus leaves the road in the Midlands

A bus driver has been killed and a number of passengers injured after a bus left the road and collided with a ditch in the Midlands

Gardaí in Moate are investigating a single vehicle fatal road traffic collision that occurred in the townland of Killogeenaghan, Moate, Co. Westmeath on Wednesday 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.

Gardaí 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.