A lorry collided with a number of cars in a crash in Slane, Co Meath. this morning, leaving four people injured. The incident occured shortly after 9.30am and involved nine vehicles, including two lorries.
It is believed the crash occurred when the brakes and gears failed on an articulated lorry on a hill in Slane before it careered into a line of motors. A number of vehicles were flipped over on to their roofs from the force of the collisions.
Families returning from the school run were among those caught up in the collision, which saw at least six cars written off and two lorries badly damaged.
Gardaí believe the quick actions of the driver of the articulated lorry managed to avoid tragedy. It is believed he steered the vehicle into the back of a second lorry in a bid to stop it running out of control on the steep northern approach to the bridge over the River Boyne.
The two lorries then collided with a row of cars stopped at the traffic lights.
The narrow bridge over the Boyne has been a notorious accident blackspot for years with local authorities implementing a string of safety measures in an attempt to avoid collisions on the steep approaches.
Four people were taken to hospital, but the victims, including a baby, reportedly suffered only minor injuries. One person was cut from the wreckage of their vehicle by emergency services.
One person remained in hospital tonight in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
The N2 Dublin to Monaghan road was closed following the collision for several hours to enable a technical examination to take place.
Additional reporting PA