A BUS carrying football fans back to Dublin this morning was forced to be evacuated on a major motorway after catching fire.
The bus was transporting fans following an away game on Friday, it has been confirmed.
Gardai confirmed that the bus caught fire while travelling on the M1 motorway.
The incident occurred in north county Dublin on the southbound carriageway between Junction 5 Balbriggan and Junction 4 Donabate just after 1.50am.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and fire services were alerted to reports of a bus fire on the M1 motorway in North County Dublin, on the southbound carriageway between J05 (Balbriggan) and J04 (Donabate) shortly after 1:50am on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024.”
There have been no reports of injuries following the incident.
Gardai also confirmed that everyone on board was safely evacuated.
The fire was extinguished at the scene and the bus has since been removed for technical and forensic examination.
The spokesperson continued: “No injuries were reported and all passengers were safely evacuated.
“The fire was extinguished and the bus has been removed from the scene for technical and forensic examination.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
THE MATCH
Shelbourne fans were travelling back from the game against Derry City after a historic win.
Harry Wood’s first goal of the season will live long in the memory for Shelbourne fans as the Englishman fired the Dubliners to a first Premier Division title since 2006 at Brandywell.
Damien Duff’s troops have been top of the table since March and while Shamrock Rovers threatened to make it five titles in a row with victory over Waterford in Tallaght, Wood’s strike with six minutes to go bridged that 18 year gap for the Tolka Park outfit.
Duff, who has been at the helm since 2021, made the classy gesture of applauding the Derry fans at the final whistle but there was no doubt his team deserved their celebrations, finishing two points clear of their nearest rivals.
Shels did have plenty of opportunities themselves but Brian Maher stood tall to deny Sean Gannon while Wood missed a glorious chance late on when clean through on goal.
Higgins fielded a strong side despite the obvious temptation to rest his key players for the final and they started brightly.
