Driver who hit Dart line and fled 'reckless'

A truck driver who crashed into a Dart line before fleeing the scene was slammed as "reckless and idiotic" today.

Disruption was expected to last on usually busy Dart services in south Dublin until tomorrow after the alleged hit-and-run.

Gardaí are hunting the driver and have been handed CCTV footage as well as the vehicle’s registration.

Iarnrod Eireann said the truck – which carries a lifting arm – hit the Merrion Gates level crossing, near Sandymount, at around 9am.

Extensive damage was caused to the overhead wiring.

Railway chiefs said the driver drove off without reporting the incident.

Eyewitnesses reported the registration plate, and Iarnrod Eireann handed over CCTV footage from the crossing to investigating gardaí.

“As a result, Iarnrod Eireann is confident that this idiotic and reckless piece of driving, which has caused such disruption to rail services, will result in prosecution,” said a spokesman.

The Dart line was closed between Lansdowne Road and Dun Laoghaire throughout the day.

Bus transfers were put on for railway journeys between Dublin and Bray as repair teams attempted to fix the overhead wiring.