Two hurt in bus collision

Two English tourists were being treated in hospital tonight after being struck by a bus in Dublin city centre.

The women were hit at around 4.15pm by a double-decker Dublin Bus, number 145, on the main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street.

Both were taken to St James’s Hospital in Dublin, where one of the women, 60, was in a serious condition, while her 56-year-old friend was described as stable.

A spokeswoman for Dublin Bus said: “A double-decker Dublin Bus was involved in a traffic accident.”

The spokeswoman told RTÉ Radio: “Both of these ladies have been taken to St James’s Hospital. We are not sure of the extent of their injuries. I know the younger lady was conscious.”

A garda spokesman said: “The two women were on holidays in Co Mayo from England and were visiting Dublin for the day.”

Gardaí have interviewed the bus driver, as well as some of the passengers on board the Dublin Bus, number 145, and dozens of on-lookers.

Officers from Store Street Station, who are investigating the incident, have appealed for witnesses to contact them.

A spokesman said: “There were a number of people on the bus at the time of the collision and gardai are anxious to speak with them.”

The accident happened near the junction of North Earl street on O’Connell Street and the southbound lane was closed off for a period.