An elderly woman has been killed and a number of gardai and motorists injured after a man went on a rampage in a stolen bus in Dublin today.
Gardai intercepted the privately owned bus at Rathcoole and arrested a man after a chase that lasted over an hour. At least five garda squad cars and number of other vehicles were damaged in the chase.
Up to 20 squad cars from four local stations and the garda helicopter were involved in the chase that began at 1 pm after a bus was reported to be travelling erratically in Kilmainham.
The woman motorist was killed after the bus crossed the Luas line to avoid a garda roadblock in Bluebell. The stolen bus also rammed a number of cars in the area which was busy as a confirmation ceremony was taking place in the local church.
The bus later rammed an unmarked garda squad car which tried to block its way. Three gardai had to be cut out of the vehicle.
Witnesses reported seeing shots being fired from an unmarked squad car at it pursued the bus along the Naas Road.
The man was later taken to St James's Hospital where he is receiving medical attention. The man who is belived to be an employee of the bus operator, is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s and from Tallaght.
At least six people were brought to St James' Hospital with injuries following the incident. Another seven went to Tallaght Hospital. A number of gardai have also been hospitalised.
Gardaí are advising motorists that due to the incident the Naas Road at Bluebell is closed to traffic and is expected to remain closed for several more hours. Diversions are in place.
Traffic approaching from the South via the N7 will be diverted to the Longmile Road towards the city. Alternatively motorists can use the M50 to access the city via the N4 Lucan Road or the N81 Tallaght Road (via Templeogue).