Dublin City Centre Bus Crash Leaves Multiple People Trapped
A serious bus accident in Dublin's pedestrianised city centre has left several people feared injured and trapped, with emergency services mounting a large-scale response to the chaotic scene.
Chaotic Scene on North Earl Street
The incident occurred at approximately 12:30pm on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, when a white double-decker bus appears to have ploughed into a lamppost on North Earl Street in the Irish capital. The collision resulted in the front window of the bus being completely smashed, with debris scattered across the street as firefighters and paramedics established protective fencing around the area.
Witnesses described hearing what they initially thought was "a bomb going off" followed by a massive bang that caused lights to flicker in nearby establishments. One mother and son who were sitting in a café nearby reported the terrifying moment before the son rushed out to help those trapped beneath the vehicle.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed they received reports of a road traffic collision involving a bus and pedestrians shortly after 12:30pm. In their statement, they revealed the substantial scale of their response:
- Over 20 firefighters and paramedics deployed
- Four fire engines and two emergency tenders with heavy rescue tools
- An advanced paramedic response car and two district officers
- Four ambulances and a rapid response vehicle from the National Ambulance Service
Despite the significant emergency presence, the exact number of casualties remains unclear. Witnesses at the scene reported several people trapped and injured under the bus, with crowds gathering and people screaming as the situation unfolded.
Transport Disruption and Official Statements
Gardai have confirmed a serious road traffic incident involving a bus on North Earl Street, Dublin 1, with significant road closures now in effect:
- Talbot Street closed from Gardiner Street
- Marlborough Street closed from Cathal Brugha Street
- Local diversions established around the affected area
Transport for Ireland (TFI) announced that Luas Green Line services are currently not operating between Parnell and St. Stephen's Green, with services only running between Broombridge and Parnell and Brides Glen and St. Stephen's Green.
Bus Éireann, which operates the 103 service to Ratoath, stated that the bus involved "was not in service at the time" of the incident, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the crash.
Ongoing Investigation and Recovery
As emergency services continue their work at the scene, the full extent of injuries and the cause of the accident remain under investigation. The incident has caused significant disruption to both road and public transport networks in Dublin's city centre during a busy Thursday afternoon.
This remains a developing situation with authorities expected to provide further updates as rescue operations continue and more information becomes available about this serious traffic incident in the heart of Ireland's capital city.
