Gardaí and emergency services in Co. Laois rushed to an incident this week after a tractor lost its load of straw in a single vehicle collision on a motorway roundabout.

The incident took place at Junction 17 on the M7 in Portlaoise shortly after 1:30p.m yesterday (Tuesday, July 21).

Officers at the scene were joined by a crew of firefighters, who arrived in a fire engine and other emergency vehicles.

Gardaí outlined that a male in his 40s was brought to Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise for treatment following the collision, with no other injuries being reported at the scene.

In a social media post, An Garda Síochána Laois/Offaly urged motorists to avoid the roundabout at Junction 17 in the aftermath of the crash.

"Traffic is extremely slow and emergency services are working to resolve the issue; please drive with care," gardaí stated before updating the public that the roundabout had been opened shortly after.

Wildfires

This collision follows several other incidents involving bales that emergency services have attended this month as the recent dry and warm weather increases the risk of wildfires.

Last weekend, Dublin Fire Brigade were called upon to tackle a hay bale fire in south Co. Dublin.

In a social media post on July 19, Dublin Fire Brigade said: “Smoke may be visible on the N4, close to the Hermitage Golf Course, as firefighters from Dolphins Barn and Tallaght attend hay bales on fire.”

The past few weeks have seen numerous rural, gorse and farm fires break out across the country.

Cork

Meanwhile, Cork City Fire Brigade were called upon to tackle a “significant” gorse fire last week that threatened to spread to nearby houses.

The organisation said on social media: “Crews have been in attendance assisting our colleagues Cork County Fire at a significant gorse fire in Crosshaven.

“Firefighters worked tirelessly alongside each other for over four hours to bring the incident under control.

“Thanks to their coordinated efforts, the fire was successfully prevented from spreading to nearby homes, protecting local residents and property.”

Cork City Fire Brigade described the operation as a great example of teamwork, professionalism and dedication by all crews involved.