Driver of hijacked taxi dies after crashing into bridge

A man who took part in a suspected hijacking of a taxi in Dublin early yesterday morning was killed moments later when the car smashed into a bridge near the River Liffey.

The man, in his 20s, is understood to have been the driver of the car involved in the crash, which occurred a short distance from the National Convention Centre at North Wall Quay at around 2.40am yesterday.

The taxi, which had just been hijacked on an adjoining street, collided with a lock bridge on the quay.

Garda sources said a taxi driver had been hailed by a group of three men at Castleforbes Rd before they ordered him out of the vehicle at knifepoint.

They believe the stolen 2010 Chevrolet Epica was speeding down the North Wall Quay on the wrong side of the road moments before the crash.

Detectives are investigating reports that the vehicle struck the lock bridge as its driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision with an articulated lorry travelling in the opposite direction.

It is understood gardaí were not in pursuit of the vehicle at the time.

The dead man is believed to have been driving the stolen taxi. Another occupant, a male in his early 20s, received serious injuries and was taken to the Mater Hospital.

The third occupant suffered only minor injuries in the crash but was also treated at the hospital.

Both men are expected to be interviewed by gardaí at a later stage.

Traffic along the quay remained closed for most of yesterday to allow a forensic collision investigation to be conducted.

* Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to the crash to contact them at Store St Garda Station on 01 6668000.