Gardai hope to interview bus crash drivers today

Gardai investigating Saturday's bus tragedy in Dublin in which five people died will interview both bus drivers as early as today, in the belief they can provide vital information surrounding the worst accident in the history of Dublin Bus.

The five were killed when an out-of-service bus apparently ran out of control and onto the footpath at Wellington Quay at about 1.30 p.m. on Saturday. It passed a No. 66 bus on the inside and struck a group of pedestrians who were boarding the 66 bus to travel to Lucan.

Following a preliminary investigation of the buses involved, gardaí say they have no evidence to suggest brake failure was to blame. They are also satisfied that the driver of the bus which struck the group of pedestrians had not suffered a heart attack or fallen ill at the wheel, as some reports suggested. He is a man in his 40s with 20 years bus-driving experience.

The drivers were briefly interviewed by gardaí at the scene of the crash at Wellington Quay, but both were said to be deeply traumatised and have been undergoing counselling.

Dublin Bus was warned by members of Leixlip Town Council as far back as October 2001 that the Wellington Quay terminus was crowded and unsafe.

The company has launched its own separate investigation which will fully swing into action after an emergency board meeting at its headquarters on O'Connell Street today. When the two buses are released back to the company by gardaí Dublin Bus will submit them to a set of rigorous safety checks.

At the weekend the company contacted respected international crash investigators in the UK, Sweden and Germany. At least four international figures will be included in a high-level investigation team which will conduct a full inquiry. The terms of reference of that inquiry are expected to be announced later today. Dublin Bus hopes to have a preliminary report on the accident available within four weeks. A full, conclusive report is not expected for a number of months.

Fire crews and ambulances were on the accident scene within minutes. Members of Dublin Fire Brigade used special lifting gear to free those who had become trapped under the bus.

Nine victims were still receiving hospital treatments night. A number of them have broken limbs and lacerations which required surgery. All were reported to be in a stable condition and none was critical. Another eight people were treated at St James's Hospital but were deemed well enough to return home on Saturday.

Supt Tom Conway of Pearse Street garda station, who is heading the garda investigation, said his officers have details of more than 30 witnesses who were at the scene.

Dublin Bus has set up a family liaison team to deal with the tragedy and has brought in bereavement counsellors to help victims. Counselling has also been offered to any witnesses. The company is to pay the medical costs of anyone caught up in the tragedy and has offered to fly home any relatives who wish to return from abroad.