An investigation has been opened after 18 people were taken to hospital following an accident involving two Bus Éireann buses in Waterford city.
Local gardaí said the buses crashed just outside the clock tower on The Quay at around 11.05 a.m.
Gardaí were still at the scene at lunch time, and one lane of traffic was blocked, causing serious disruption. Gardaí expect that it will be the afternoon before the scene has been cleared.
A spokesman for the South Eastern Health Board said six ambulances were on the scene within a short time of the crash. A total of 18 people had been taken to the accident and emergency unit of Waterford Regional Hospital. However, none is believed to be seriously injured, the spokesman said.
A statement from Bus Éireann said it regretted to confirm that people have been taken to hospital in Waterford following the collision.
It said it is providing a counselling service for staff, passengers and others affected by the incident.
"The company will also provide any other assistance which may be required by persons involved or affected," the statement said.
"A full investigation, which will have the assistance of external experts in this field, is already in progress to determine the circumstances and causes of the accident."
Bus Éireann has set up a special telephone line at its Waterford office, which can be contacted on 051-317841.