Mayo pharmacy remains open despite truck crashing into it

The owner of a Mayo chemist shop has spoken about a frightening incident which resulted in significant damage being caused to his premises as a result of a truck crashing into it in the early hours of this morning.

The vehicle went into the front of O'Donnell's Total Health Pharmacy at around 2.50 a.m. after skidding on the icy roadway.

A garda spokesperson explained that the truck collided with a traffic island and then a parked vehicle before impacting on the building at Market Square in the town.

Ian Johnson, who runs the pharmacy with his wife Nuala O'Donnell, told RTÉ News that while the front of the property has been badly damaged, the dispensary area remains okay and they are open for business, with access available to the public.

"There's a gaping hole with a truck," he said.

"My dispensary is running, I've a side door at the back for anyone who needs anything."

The business has building and engineering experts assessing the damage and ensuring the property, a stand-alone building in Market Square in Charlestown, is safe.

Mr Johnson said the roads in the area were "absolutely lethal" overnight.

Gardaí said the driver of the truck was brought to Mayo General Hospital and that his injuries are not life-threatening.