Grandmother knocked down by motorbike had recently fled war in Ukraine

A Ukrainian grandmother who was knocked down and seriously injured in Dublin city centre on Friday had recently fled the war in her native country.

The 61-year-old pedestrian was struck by a motorcyclist in busy traffic on Amiens Street on Friday afternoon. She remains in a serious condition in the Mater hospital.

The woman fled Ukraine with her daughter and grandchild in recent weeks and was staying in the North Star Hotel on Amiens Street, which has been used to accommodate hundreds of Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion began.

She was crossing the road at Connolly Station, near her hotel, when she was hit.

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The rider of the motorcycle, a man in his mid-thirties, suffered minor injuries in the crash and was also taken for treatment in the Mater hospital. He is a close relative of a well-known criminal and has several serious convictions himself, including one for manslaughter. He was recently released from prison and has been advised by gardaí his life is under threat from other criminals.

The crash is the subject of an investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) as the motorcyclist had interacted with gardaí shortly before the crash. Under law, Gsoc must investigate incidents of death or injury if they occur around the time of interaction with gardaí.

It is understood the motorcyclist had come across a Garda checkpoint shortly before the crash. He was breathalysed at the scene and tested negative for alcohol. A blood test is also being carried out. The man has not been arrested.

The Garda said in a statement it is appealing for witnesses “to a road traffic collision that occurred on Amiens Street, Dublin 1 on Friday afternoon at approximately 1.20pm,”

“The woman pedestrian (60s) was taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital where her condition is currently described as serious.

“The male motorcyclist (30s) was also taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital where he remains in treatment for injuries which are believed to be non-life threatening.

“Gardaí in Store Street are appealing for any witnesses who were in the North Strand/Amiens Street areas yesterday between 1pm and 1.30pm who may have footage (including dash cam) to make it available to them.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Store Street Garda station on 01 666 8000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”