Inquiries open after man dies in bus crash near Enfield

GARDAÍ AND Bus Éireann have begun investigations into a crash in Co Meath yesterday morning involving a bus and 4x4 vehicle that claimed the life of a 37-year-old local man.

Cathal O’Leary died moments after leaving his house in Enfield when a Bus Éireann coach crashed into his Toyota Landcruiser at a low-level roundabout on the old N4 road at 6.45am.

Gardaí are investigating the possibility that the bus may have mounted the roundabout and collided with the 4x4 vehicle before ending up in an adjacent field.

There were no passengers on the bus which was travelling from the Broadstone depot in Dublin to Enfield to begin its daily service to the capital at 6.50am. The bus driver was not seriously injured but was later treated for shock at the Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown.

Mr O’Leary, from Glen Abhainn Park, Enfield, is said to have been killed instantly in the collision. His body was taken to Naas General Hospital where a postmortem took place yesterday evening. His partner, a woman in her 30s, escaped physical injury.

Investigating officer Supt John Dunleavy, said: “The passenger is clearly traumatised and she’s bereaved at this stage. Our condolences, as indeed of all the people of Enfield, will go to her, her family and unfortunately to the family of the poor man who died in the crash.”

Pat and Miriam Daly, who live just yards from the crash site, said they heard a loud bang some time after 6.30am and then a vehicle horn sounding constantly. The couple said there had been several crashes at the roundabout in recent years even though it was well signposted.

Bus Éireann said the bus had undergone routine independent assessment on February 10th last. The company extended its sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased man.