The High Court has approved a settlement of nearly €550,000 plus costs for the family of a woman who was killed in an accident involving a Luas tram.

Yao Webster was on her way to work when she was hit by a car at the junction of Abbey Street and Mary Street on the morning of April 7th 2014.

A silver BMW travelling towards Parnell Street collided with a Luas tram travelling on the red line towards Tallaght.

The court heard on Wednesday that the car had broken a red light and spun out of control after colliding with the tram.

The vehicle spun into the footpath where Ms Webster was walking, hitting her and killing her instantly. 

Momentary lapse in concentration 

In a statement this afternoon, Dermot McNamara solicitor for Ms Webster’s husband Robin Webster, said the case highlighted the potential dangers for motorists approaching junctions with a Luas line.

"A momentary lapse in concentration by the motorist in this case proved to be devastating for the Webster family and led to Yao being taken from her adored daughter Chloe (who only turned five yesterday), her loving husband Robin and her parents in China who lost their only child,” said Mr McNamara. 

“An unfortunate set of circumstances led to the instant ending of the life of a devoted mother, wife and daughter as she walked along the footpath to her place of work. She is dearly missed by her family whose life will never be the same. 

“This case should be a warning to all motorists to exercise caution when driving near Luas lines and not take chances when approaching traffic lights as the consequences of a collision with a Luas Tram could be catastrophic."

Tragic case

In July 2015 the driver of the car, Mr Quentin Hannezo pleaded guilty to careless driving.

Judge Martin Nolan described the case as tragic and noted that Hannezo had been driving at normal speed and missed a red light.

It was a 'human failing' he added and there was no doubt Hannezo would live with this for the rest of his life.

He imposed a €4,000 fine.

Civil case 

The Webster family had sued both Mr Hannezo and Luas operator Transdev.

Today, lawyers for the defendants consented to judgement of €548,000 plus legal costs.

The settlement included an indemnity in favour of Transdev.