A bus driver has died after a crash near Moate, Co Westmeath.
The 55-year-old was driving a Bus Éireann coach on the old N6 between Moate and Athlone when it left the road and hit a ditch at 5.30pm yesterday.
The driver was taken to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore where he later died.
He has been named locally as Michael Gill, a father-of-six from Co Longford. He joined Bus Éireann at their Athlone depot last year.
There were around 20 passengers on board the bus at the time.
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Some were taken to hospital for treatment however their injuries are not life-threatening.
The road was closed this morning for a forensic collision investigation team to examine it.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and any road users with video footage are asked to make this available to gardaí.
The Chief Executive of Bus Éireann Stephen Kent said his thoughts are with the family and friends of their colleague.
In a statement, Mr Kent paid tribute to the emergency services for their work and their assistance to the driver and the passengers affected.
