Bus Éireann driver who died in Moate crash named locally as Michael Gill

The Bus Éireann driver killed when the coach he was driving left the road and hit a ditch in Co Westmeath on Wednesday has been named locally as Michael Gill (55) from Co Longford.

It is understood Mr Gill joined Bus Éireann at its Athlone depot last year. Bus Éireann has expressed its sympathy to his family, colleagues and friends.

The incident occurred in the townland of Killogeenaghan, Moate, at about 5.30pm.

Mr Gill was seriously injured in the collision. He was taken to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, where he was later pronounced dead.

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The bus was travelling from Athlone to Drogheda, Co Louth, carrying about 20 passengers when it left the road.

Bus Éireann said all passengers were able to leave the bus safely, with no major injuries reported. A number of passengers were medically assessed at the scene and others transferred to local hospitals.

The vehicle was a Bus Éireann regional coach which was fitted with seat belts for all passengers and driver.

Gardaí, fire and ambulance services attended the scene of the crash and Bus Éireann organised onward travel for those who may have required it.

The Garda has appealed for witnesses to the crash, particularly anyone who may have dashcam or video footage to contact them.

Bus Éireann chief executive Stephen Kent said it was “a very sad event, affecting everyone in Bus Éireann”.

He said the thoughts and deepest sympathies of everyone in the organisation were “with the family and friends of our colleague who received the worst possible news last night.

“We thank the emergency services for their work and their assistance to our colleague and to all the passengers affected by this difficult experience.”

A postmortem on the driver, who has not yet been named, is expected to take place on Thursday or Friday.

The road remained closed on Thursday morning as Garda forensic collision investigators examined the scene. Local diversions were put in place.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athlone Garda station on 090 649 8550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.