Clondalkin: Priest thought to have had heart attack before collision leaves 7 injured - 2 critically
Two people are in a critical condition and several others injured after a car hit a group of people outside a Dublin church.
It is believed seven people were taken to hospital and 13 people were treated at the scene.
It is understood the driver suffered a heart attack on the grounds of the Church in Clondalkin earlier this morning.
Just after 10am this morning, a car struck several people attending a funeral at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Larry Mooney, a witness, said the noise was horrific.
"It was almost like the church collapsing, it was that loud and heavy," said Mr Mooney. "It wasn't just like a car sound hitting a wall...like an earthquake."
It is understood the man driving is a priest who is not from the area but was here for a funeral.
In a statement, the Archdiocese of Dublin expressed their sympathies to those who had been injured in the collision on the grounds of the Church, adding they were "keeping all involved in their prayers at this difficult time".
The Archdiocese said parish staff worked closely with emergency services in the aftermath of the incident, and confirmed that a funeral due to take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception this morning had been rearranged for this afternoon.
Local woman Maureen McNulty was just a metre away when the accident happened, and says she is lucky to be alive.
"The place was littered with people on the ground...frightening," said Ms McNulty.
"The ambulance said 'how many do you need?' and I said you'd want to send down about a half a dozen ambulances.
"But it was frightening."
Seven people have been taken to separate hospitals in the capital, two of them are said to be in a critical condition.
The funeral which was scheduled for 10am at the church, is now taking place this afternoon.
At least four people have been taken to separate hospitals in the capital after a driver is understood to have suffered a heart attack and lost consciousness at the wheel.
A number of pedestrians were injured when the car hit several people outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clondalkin at 10.20am.
Local woman Maureen McNulty was just a metre away from the car when it struck the group, and says she is lucky to be alive.
"The place was littered with people on the ground...frightening," said Ms McNulty.
"The ambulance said 'how many do you need?' and I said you'd want to send down about a half a dozen ambulances.
"But it was frightening, oh my god."
Another bystander, Larry Mooney, said that the noise was horrific.
"It was almost like the church collapsing, it was that loud and heavy," Mr Mooney said.
"It wasn't just like the car sound - hitting a wall - it was almost like stones it was so heavy.
"Like an earthquake."
At least two people are in a critical condition after a car hit four pedestrians outside a Dublin church.
Its understood the driver suffered a heart attack on the grounds of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Clondalkin at 10.20am this morning.
A number of people have been taken to separate hospitals in the capital - and two are in a critical condition.
Dublin Fire Brigade say that around 13 people were treated at the scene.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says his thoughts are with those who were injured.
"I would offer my sympathies to those who may have been injured."
"I would ask other road users who were in the area to assist with the Garda Siochana with their inquiries."
Four pedestrians have been injured after being hit by a car outside a church in Clondalkin, west Dublin this morning.
It happened at 10:20am on the grounds of the church.
Two people have been brought to James Hospital with media reports saying they are in critical condition.
The third person has been taken to Blanchardstown hospital with minor injuries while a fourth has been taken to Tallaght Hospital.
The extent of their injuries is not yet known.
#DUBLIN Very serious incident in Clondalkin with road closures. More here: https://t.co/JFnarzHnaP
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) June 25, 2018
The Dublin Fire Brigade tweeted an appeal for the public to avoid the area.
"We have a number of fire and ambulance units at this RTC.
"It is a developing situation. We are appealing for the public to avoid the area while we get rescue vehicles in and out of the scene."
AA Roadwatch has said the Laurel Pk/New Rd in Clondalkin is closed "following a very serious incident."
