Seven women remain in hospital after fatal crash

SEVEN people, all women, remained in hospital last night following Saturday’s crash which killed five people.

The women are all said to be in a stable condition. They are understood to be in shock having suffered broken bones and severe cuts in the accident.

In total, 17 people were admitted to hospital, including the driver of the out-of-service airport link bus. He is said to be deeply traumatised following the incident and was under medication last night.

Thirteen ambulances ferried the injured to three Dublin hospitals, St Vincent’s, St James’s and the Mater. Six of the ambulances were dispatched from Tara Street Fire Station while a further seven were sent out from various locations under the management of the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

At St Vincent’s, one female was admitted and described last night as stable. Three of the deceased were taken to the hospital.

St James’s took in 11 of the injured. Three remained in hospital last night but all are said to be stable. Eight others were treated for minor injuries.

Four of the injured were taken to the Mater Hospital. Three, all females aged between early 20s and 40s, are expected to remain in the hospital for a number of days. One underwent surgery on Saturday night.

The fourth was discharged after being treated for minor injuries. Two of the deceased, both women, were taken to the Mater.

A spokesperson for the Mater Hospital said its major emergency plan was initiated after staff were told to expect up to 10 seriously injured victims.

Maureen Browne, of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, paid tribute to hospital staff and the other emergency services. “The hospitals responded magnificently, as did the ambulances, who arrive at the scene within seconds.”

She said the emergency happened at a time when the hospitals were already extremely busy. Off-duty staff were called in to help where necessary.