In a shocking incident in Limerick, a Bus Éireann driver was injured after being shot in the face with an air gun, leading to the suspension of the bus service. The incident has raised significant concerns over the safety of public transportation employees and passengers in the city.
Attack on Limerick Bus Driver
The incident occurred on a city bus route in Limerick, where the female driver was shot while performing her duties. According to reports, the attack took place around 8 PM on a busy route, causing immediate panic among passengers. The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries but was understandably shaken by the event.
Gardaí Investigation
Gardaí have launched an investigation into the attack, appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly interested in hearing from passengers who were on the bus at the time of the incident or anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and no arrests have been made so far.
Bus Éireann Response
In response to the incident, Bus Éireann has temporarily suspended the affected bus route to ensure the safety of both their drivers and passengers. The company has expressed its deep concern over the attack and is working closely with Gardaí to assist in the investigation. A spokesperson for Bus Éireann stated, “The safety of our staff and passengers is our top priority. We are shocked and appalled by this senseless act of violence and are committed to taking all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Community Reaction
The Limerick community has reacted with outrage and concern over the incident. Local representatives have called for increased security measures on public transportation and better protection for drivers. Many residents are worried about the implications of such attacks on the overall safety and reliability of the city’s bus services.
Councillor Sarah O’Connor commented, “This attack is a wake-up call for all of us. Our public transportation system must be safe for everyone, and we need to ensure that drivers feel secure in their roles. I urge the authorities to take immediate action to address this issue.”
Impact on Public Transportation
The suspension of the bus service has caused significant inconvenience for regular commuters, highlighting the broader impact of such violent acts on the community. Many passengers have had to find alternative means of transportation, leading to overcrowded conditions on other routes and increased travel times.
