Cork priest and Bus Éireann driver died at the scene after collision at Monkstown, Cork Harbour
CORK: A Bus Éireann bus driver and a local priest were died in a road traffic collision in County Cork yesterday afternoon. The tragic incident occurred on the Strand Road in Monkstown, Cork Harbour, when the bus lost control shortly after 1.30pm.
The bus driver is believed to have suffered a heart attack when he lost the control of the bus and fatally injured Fr Cronin, who was crossing the road.
Both the bus driver, Mark Wills (51) of Carraigdene, Ballincollig, and Father Con Cronin (72), the curate in the parishes of Passage West and Monkstown, were pronounced dead at the scene near Monkstown Pier and across the road from the two popular pubs, the Bosun Bar and Restaurant and the Ensign.
The 216 single-decker bus, which operates between Monkstown and CUH, collided with a wall before going straight ahead and knocking down the local parish priest.
Fr Cronin had just left the nearby Bosun pub after lunch and was about to cross the road and mount the sidewalk when the accident occurred. Father was with the local sacristan, a woman in her 60s who was uninjured but deeply traumatised by the incident.
After hitting Fr Cronin, the bus continued and collided with six parked cars. A teenage girl walking with her father had a lucky escape when her father pulled her out of the path of a bus that was heading towards them. The schoolgirl suffered minor bruises and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
Mr. Wills and Fr. Cronin were attended by paramedics before being pronounced dead at the scene. Their bodies were taken to Cork University Hospital for postmortem. The road was closed by Gardai to allow a forensic crash investigator to examine the scene.
Gardai have also appealed anyone who witnessed the collision on the Strand Road between 1.15 and 1.45pm to contact them at Togher Garda station on 021-4947120 or any garda station, as well as anyone who has video footage (including dash cam) to come forward.
Tributes paid to the two deceased
The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr Fintan Gavin, expressed “utter shock and sadness” upon Fr Cronin’s death. The Bishop said Fr Cronin will be remembered fondly for his unique sense of humour and openness to all people. He also extended sympathy to the bus driver’s family.
Bus Éireann expressed its heartfelt condolences to the families of both deceased. Chief Executive Stephen Kent said that it was a tragic incident and a terrible and sad day for everyone at Bus Éireann. Mr Wills was described as a “long-standing and greatly valued employee based at the Capwell depot” in Cork city.
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