THE owner of the coach involved in a collision yesterday in which dozens of pensioners were left shaken has hailed the driver as a hero.
More than 50 people were taken to hospital after a car drove into the side of the bus carrying pensioners from St Johnston and Carrigans on a day out in west Donegal.
The incident happened at the Ardaghey Cross Roads on the road from Ardara to Donegal Town.
Coach owner Bernard McGuinness told donegaldaily.com that the actions of driver Frank McKelvey had saved lives
He said: “This accident would have been an awful tragedy and lives would certainly have been lost were it not for the reactions and ability of the coach driver.
“He definitely saved lives yesterday. Well done Frank.”
He said the driver saw the car coming and swerved to avoid it – preventing more serious damage to the vehicle and the passengers inside.
Three people were kept overnight in hospital following Saturday afternoon’s road crash near Inver in south west Donegal, the HSE has said.
“Over 50 people, most of them elderly, were taken to Letterkenny General Hospital this evening (Saturday), following a bus crash at Castleogary,” said a spokeswoman.
“Some 49 patients have since been assessed, treated and discharged with follow-up Outpatients appointments. A further three patients with more serious injuries have been admitted to hospital.
Sean Murphy, General Manager, Letterkenny General Hospital, said; ”The overall hospital response worked extremely well, and I would like to thank staff for the prompt response, especially those who came in off duty.
“All patients have now been treated and cleared from the ED, and the hospital has resumed normal services.”
The pensioners had spent the day in Donegal Town and were on their way to Ardara for dinner when the incident happened.
The HSE says three people, including the 18-year-old driver of the car, remain in hospital.
