Man dies in Waterford bus collision as four perish on Irish roads in one day

Fatal collision on the N25

A man in his 60s died on Sunday evening following a collision between a car and a passenger coach on the N25 in County Waterford. The incident took place at Kinsalebeg, near Piltown, along the route connecting Dungarvan and Youghal, shortly before 8:00pm on 20 September 2026. The collision is understood to have been head-on, causing extensive damage to the car. Emergency personnel pronounced the car driver dead at the scene before transport to Cork University Hospital was possible.

More than a dozen passengers travelling on the bus sustained injuries during the crash. First responders and medical personnel assessed all occupants at the scene, confirming that none of the injuries were life-threatening. While most passengers received on-site medical care, several individuals were subsequently referred to hospital for precautionary examinations.

Emergency response and investigation

The incident prompted a substantial emergency deployment involving almost a dozen ambulances, fire brigade units, and Garda teams from both Dungarvan and Youghal. Officers closed the section of the N25 immediately to facilitate emergency operations and establish local traffic diversions. Garda forensic collision investigators carried out an on-site technical examination and recorded photographic evidence before the roadway was fully reopened to traffic.

A Garda spokesperson delivered an initial statement as emergency crews managed the crash site.

“Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the N25 near Pilltown, Kinsalebeg, Co Waterford this evening Sunday 20th September 2026.”

Authorities notified the local coroner, and arrangements are underway for a formal post-mortem examination of the deceased driver.

Garda appeal for dashcam footage

Investigating gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses who were travelling in the area to come forward with information. Officers are seeking camera recordings, particularly dashcam video, from motorists who were on the N25 between Grange and Pilltown Cross between 7:30pm and 8:00pm on Sunday evening.

Individuals who witnessed the collision or possess relevant footage have been asked to contact Dungarvan Garda Station directly at 058 48600. Information can also be provided through the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or at any local Garda station across the country.

Fatal incidents across four counties

The Waterford collision formed part of a deadly series of traffic incidents across Ireland on Sunday, during which four people lost their lives in separate crashes. In County Meath, a man in his 50s died around 2:00am when his car collided with a commercial premises on Connaught Street in Athboy. Less than an hour later, at approximately 2:40am, a man in his 20s died after his car struck a tree on the N21 at Cummeen, near Adare in County Limerick. Later that afternoon, at about 3:15pm, a motorcyclist in his 50s died following a collision with a van on the R736 near Wellington Bridge in County Wexford.

The four deaths brought the total number of road fatalities in Ireland in 2026 to 138, representing an increase of more than 11% compared to the same period in 2025.