Incident Overview
A car carrying a couple in their 80s drove off a bridge onto the M50 motorway in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in serious injuries for both occupants. The incident occurred at approximately 3:20pm on Wednesday, according to Gardaí, and involved a single vehicle collision. The couple, a man and woman, were removed from the scene for treatment of serious injuries, with no other injuries reported.
The couple are believed to have been travelling southbound from Dublin Airport when they exited the motorway at Junction 10, near the Ballymount slip road. Gardaí are investigating the circumstances in which the car appeared to have driven off the bridge at the Ballymount exit and landed on the traffic below.
Traffic Impact and Response
The collision has led to significant delays on the M50, with a section of the southbound carriageway expected to remain closed for a number of hours. The southbound lane at Junction 10 is closed, and diversions are in place. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has asked motorists to avoid the motorway, with tailbacks stretching back to Junction 6 Blanchardstown, as reported by TII.
At rush hour on Wednesday, the southbound queue extended back to Junction 1 Dublin Airport, according to The Irish Times. Gardaí and other emergency services vehicles were on scene, and the southbound lane remains closed while the scene is held for technical examination, Gardaí said.
Investigation and Official Statements
Gardaí have confirmed that the incident was a single vehicle collision and are investigating the circumstances. The scene is currently being held for technical examination, according to Gardaí. While the cause of the incident has not yet been determined, both the Irish Times and RTÉ have reported that the incident involved a single vehicle crash, with RTÉ noting that it is understood to be a single vehicle crash.
The Irish Times reported that the car drove off the bridge onto the motorway, while RTÉ described the event as a 'major incident' and a road traffic collision. Both outlets have highlighted the ongoing closure of Junction 10 southbound and the diversion measures in place. TII has advised motorists to avoid the area as the closure is expected to persist for several hours.
Perspectives
Gardaí have not yet released a statement on the cause of the collision but have confirmed they are investigating. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has focused on traffic management, urging drivers to avoid the M50 southbound due to the prolonged closure.