Citylink is investigating reports that a coach driver appeared to fall asleep at the wheel while transporting passengers from Dublin to Cork on Saturday evening. Passengers described an ordeal involving erratic driving, near-misses with motorway barriers, and multiple instances where the driver allegedly lost consciousness, forcing a roadside evacuation on the M8 near Dunkettle.
The incident began after passengers boarded the 70-seater coach following the Cork-Galway hurling semi-final at Croke Park. According to a passenger, the vehicle began to drift across lanes and strike road markers. The situation escalated near Cork city when the coach veered toward a motorway exit, prompting passengers to shout that the driver had fallen asleep.
After the driver brought the vehicle to a stop and insisted he was alert, he resumed the journey. A passenger reported that the driver’s eyes appeared bloodshot, and within two kilometers, his head touched the steering wheel again. This second event lasted approximately 20 to 30 seconds while the coach continued to drift in traffic. Passengers subsequently evacuated the vehicle on the side of the motorway.
The coach involved was a 70-seater vehicle, which was nearly full with only two empty seats when it departed Dublin just after 6 p.m. on Saturday.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Citylink has confirmed it is reviewing the circumstances of the incident. In a statement provided to media, a company spokesperson stated they are aware of the alleged incident and are taking the matter seriously, though they declined to provide further comment at this stage. It is understood that Gardaí were contacted by multiple passengers during the journey, though reports suggest officers had not arrived at the scene by the time a replacement coach departed.
The incident highlights the critical safety implications of driver fatigue in commercial transport. When passengers intervene to ensure a vehicle stops or to demand a replacement driver, it underscores a significant breakdown in the expected standard of care, regardless of the eventual findings of the internal company investigation.
What happens next for the passengers and the company?
Following the evacuation, a replacement coach arrived approximately 40 minutes later to transport the remaining passengers. Many individuals, however, opted to arrange private transport home. The driver reportedly continued to Cork driving the original coach empty, traveling directly ahead of the replacement vehicle. As Citylink continues its review, passengers who experienced the event have reported lasting emotional impacts, including reluctance to use coach services for future travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were on the coach during the incident?
There were nearly 70 passengers on the 70-seater coach, with only two seats remaining vacant.
Did the driver admit to falling asleep?
No. According to passenger accounts, the driver insisted he was fine and claimed there would be camera evidence to prove he remained alert.
What happened to the passengers after the bus was pulled over?
Passengers evacuated the bus onto the motorway verge. While some waited about 40 minutes for a replacement coach, many others sourced their own lifts home with friends and family members.
How should transport companies better ensure passenger safety when drivers show signs of fatigue?
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