Brakes query in Navan bus crash probe

SPECULATION mounted last night that the anti-lock braking system was switched off on a school bus when it crashed last May killing five girls.

It is also believed conditions on the road at the time may have played a significant part in the crash in Navan, Co Meath, which injured 46 children.

Bus Éireann yesterday completed its investigation into the accident which killed Lisa Callan, Claire McCluskey, Sinéad Ledwidge, Aimee McCabe and Deirdre Scanlon.

While it is believed the anti-lock breaking system was switched off, the brakes were still fully functional.

There was a temporary surface on the road near Kentstown on May 23, and it had been raining just before the accident at 4.20pm.

The independent investigating board held its final meeting yesterday, ahead of Bus Éireann’s chairman, John Lynch, personally visiting bereaved families with the report. He will do this within the next 10 days.

A Bus Éireann spokeswoman said: “The committee of inquiry are holding their final meeting and will be publishing the report in the next seven to 10 days. It has been a very thorough and extensive inquiry.”

The report, being led by Assistant Garda Commissioner Jim McHugh, will also be given to families of the children injured during the crash, before it is made public. It had been scheduled for released in August.

Last week, it emerged a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the incident.

The accident occurred as students were being brought home from second level schools in Navan.

The bus collided with two cars and the drivers of all three vehicles have been interviewed by gardaí.

A separate investigation was also initiated by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and is understood to be ongoing. The HSA can bring prosecutions if it finds there were any breaches of health and safety legislation.

A spokesperson for Transport Minister Martin Cullen yesterday said he was expected to examine the inquiry’s conclusions over the coming days.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin recently announced a €25 million investment by the Government which will ensure that by the end of next year all children travelling on school buses will be belted into their own seats.