The Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin has resumed operations following a lorry fire that took place whilst it was traversing the bridge. The southbound traffic is now entirely open on the bridge, although the northbound lane is still partially closed. However, traffic flow from the northbound lane is still possible through the bus lane. Despite this, the area remains highly congested.
The fire initially occurred within the driver’s cabin of the lorry whilst it was on the northbound lane of the bridge. The bridge spans the Liffey in the docklands area of the city, providing a vital route from Macken Street to the Northern quays.
During the morning rush hour, traffic was jammed between the 3Arena and the Irish Financial Services Centre at Matt Talbot Bridge, causing heavy traffic on East Wall Road. Eyewitnesses report that the fire began in the lorry’s cabin and subsequently spread to the rest of the vehicle.
Both flamings and black smoke were clearly visible from the Northern and Southern quays. Early pictures showed traffic crossing the bridge from south to north until the police took over and closed off the bridge. This closure was later confirmed by the authorities via social media.
Emergency services successfully extinguished the fire, and the bridge was reopened to traffic around 9 am. However, the charred lorry stayed on the right-hand side of the northbound lane on the bridge.