News

Funeral arrangements finalised after bus crash

Tuesday, 24 May 2005

Funeral arrangements are being finalised for the five teenage girls killed in yesterday's bus accident in Co Meath.

The funerals of four of the five schoolgirls will take place on Thursday, the fifth on Friday.

Eight people are still being treated in hospitals in Drogheda, Co Louth and Navan, Co Meath while gardaí continue their investigations into the cause of the accident.

They have interviewed some eyewitnesses and occupants of the bus. Over the next few days they will continue these interviews and also talk to the drivers of the bus and the two cars involved.

Hundreds of people attended a special memorial mass in Navan today for the teenage girls killed in the crash.

Among the congregation at St Mary's Church were students from the four schools whose pupils were on board the bus when it crashed on the Kentstown Road.

The five girls have been named as Lisa Callan, 15, from Newtown, Beauparc in Navan, Claire McCluskey, 18, from Rathdrinagh also in Beauparc, Amy McCabe, 15, from Hayestown in Navan, Deirdre Scanlon, 17, from Yellow Furze also in Beauparc and 15-year-old Sinead Ledwidge from Senchalstown in Navan.

Four of the girls attended St Michael's Loreto Convent in Navan. The fifth girl attended Beaufort College in Navan. All classes were suspended for the day at St Michael's and counselling services set up.

McHugh to head Bus Éireann inquiry

Meanwhile, the board of Bus Éireann has announced the setting up of an independent board of inquiry to investigate the crash.

It will be made up of national and international transport professionals, and is due to report back on the circumstances and cause of the accident within ten weeks of its initial meeting.

It will be headed by a former Garda Assistant Commissioner, Jim McHugh.

Two other inquiries by the gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority are also being held.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Bus Éireann Spokesperson Erica Roseingrave said there was, as yet, no explanation for what happened.

Attention is also expected to focus on the issue of the safety of school buses after it was confirmed by Bus Éireann that the vehicle was not fitted with seatbelts.

The bus had been full with 51 school pupils when the accident occurred at around 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.

Bishop calls for prayers for victims

The Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, has called for prayers for the victims and their families and for the injured and their families. He also asked people to remember the teachers and other students from the schools.

Expressions of sympathy have also come from The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Neill, and The Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare, Bishop Richard Clarke.

The Teachers' Union of Ireland and The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals also offered their sympathies to all affected by the crash.

A Book of Condolence has also been opened by the Vicar of St Ann's in Dawson Street in central Dublin, The Reverend Canon Tom Haskins.

The book is to remain open from 10am to 4pm from today until Friday afternoon, and will then be sent on to the people of Kentstown.

Last night local people gathered in the parish church in Yellow Furze to pray for the dead and injured.