A total of 29 people were brought to James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown from the crash scene near Kinnegad. Four people earlier said to be in a serious condition were described as comfortable last night. Three of them had undergone surgery, while the fourth was in intensive care. The hospital's general manager, Mr Tom Gorey, said none of those admitted had life-threatening injuries. Ten people were admitted to the hospital with moderate injuries, including facial, spinal and leg injuries. Another 15 were admitted with minor injuries.
Mr Gorey said about 10 people with minor injuries were kept at the accident and emergency unit overnight.
The hospital was put on alert at 4.15 p.m. after they received a call confirming a major emergency. A major accident alert was implemented, and the hospital's out-patients unit was converted into an additional accident and emergency facility. The driver of the bus steered it across the road after being hit, broke through a concrete barrier and ended up in a field on the other side of the road, according to witnesses.
Mr Kieran Sheridan, from Mayo, who was on board, said there was an initial bang as a car hit the bus and was driven on to the right side of the road.
"The bus slid across the road and ploughed through a concrete post," he said.
He said the bus-driver tried to keep the vehicle upright. "In fairness to the driver he stopped the bus from turning over."
Mr Sheridan said he was sitting near the front on the right side. "The windscreen popped out. It was lucky there was no one at the front or they would have gone through it," he said.
Ms Una Reddington, from Co Mayo, who received a cut to her face, said she grabbed the seat in front and when the bus crashed through the concrete barrier she braced herself. She said other people were thrown around the bus.
Ms Rachel O'Byrne, who was treated for back injuries, commended the bus-driver for his actions.
"He controlled the bus really well," she said.