Bus Éireann was left red-faced today after an emergency response plan went into full swing for a simulated accident.
The company planned to test their rapid reaction to a serious incident but failed to inform press officers the crash was only a simulation.
A company statement sent to newsrooms claimed a packed coach travelling on one of the country's busiest roads lost control and ploughed into a field injuring 11 people.
It said two people were seriously injured, and nine others taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries after the bus veered off the N11 in Wicklow.
A Bus Éireann spokesman said the company's full emergency response was put into action by mistake and apologised for the error. No accident actually happened.
The company's managing director, Mr Bill Lilley, said only he and the company's risk manager were aware the crash was a planned simulation. "I would like to apologise profusely for anyone who was upset by this incident," Mr Lilley said.
Relatives of passengers on the 8 a.m. service from Rosslare to Dublin were left fearing the worst after hearing radio reports just before lunchtime.
The accident was reported on major television and radio stations leading to massive confusion for gardaí, and hospital staff in St Vincent's University Hospital where the injured were reportedly taken.
The garda press office was inundated with calls but had no reports of any incident in the south Wicklow area.
PA