Significant traffic disruption in Dublin following Luas crash

Four taken to hospital following collision with van

Luas tickets have been made valid on Dublin Bus services due to the collision. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times
Luas tickets have been made valid on Dublin Bus services due to the collision. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times

A crash in Dublin city centre involving a Luas carriage caused significant traffic disruptions this morning. Four people were taken to hospital following the crash, which involved a collision with a van in Smithfield.

Some Luas services were cancelled or delayed on Tuesday morning. Videos circulating on social media show Luas passengers vacating a damaged red line carriage which was heading towards Connolly Station.

Three Fire Engines from Phibsborough and Dolphin’s Barn stations attended the scene, along with an emergency tender and four ambulances.

“In total, four people were removed to hospital and the Luas line was reopened within 30 minutes,” a spokesperson for Dublin Fire Brigade said.

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It is understood the four passengers were taken to hospital as a precaution.

Tara Beattie, who was travelling to the TechFoundHer conference in Dublin City Hall, was a passenger on the tram when it collided.

She described the collision at a junction on Benburb Street as “surreal”.

“Anyone standing or facing forward was thrown forward,” she said adding that it resulted in a loud “grinding noise” and an “awful shake which felt like we came off the rails”.

“Then we saw a van reverse away and it became clear that we hit it. I don’t know If the van broke the lights or the Luas,” she said.

A Luas spokesperson said trams are operating from Tallaght/Saggart to Blackhorse only and there is currently no service between Blackhorse to The Point or Connolly Station.

The spokesperson said red line services are operating with delays.

The collision caused significant delays and backed up traffic along the quays.

Luas tickets have been made valid on Dublin Bus services due to the collision.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council’s Traffic and Incident Management Centre said traffic remains heavy on approach to the scene.

A garda spokesperson said gardaí are aware of the collision but no further details were available at present.