A brother and sister were amongst four young people who died in a tragic accident last night after their car was involved in a collision on the Mountain Road near Clonmel last night. There has been a outpouring of shock and sympathy for their bereaved families from throughout the country.
The four young people were on their way to celebrate the results of the Leaving Certificate when control was lost of the car which fell down a steep embankment and turned over several times before coming to a halt.
The driver of the car, aged 24, was killed along with three girls aged 18.
A Garda spokesman had earlier confirmed said: “We can now confirm four fatalities as a result of a collision on the Mountain Road in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. They are a male driver in his early 20s and three female passengers, all adult teenagers.
“The bodies of the deceased have been removed from the scene to South Tipperary General Hospital and postmortems will be conducted in the coming days.
Independent TD for Tipperary Mattie McGrath said there was a sense of “disbelief and numbness” in Clonmel town.
“The families involved are all local, from Clonmel and the surrounding area. It is utterly devastating. Our prayers are with the families and the whole community,” he said.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “For young lives, so full of possibility, to be cut short in this way is truly devastating and heartbreaking. The whole nation mourns them.”
“The thoughts of the whole country are with them, their school and their community.”
My thoughts are with the families and friends of the young people who lost their lives in Clonmel
A horrific tragedy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha. https://t.co/qNk9RJEKoV
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) August 26, 2023
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said that there was a sense of shock as the tragic news broke. “I offer my sincere sympathy to all the families, friends, classmates and teachers of those who have died,” he said.
“Together, with the whole community of the people of Clonmel, the diocese and throughout the country, we will be there to stand beside and support the heart-broken and all those affected by this tragedy.
“May God help all to have strength and may He take those who have died so young into his loving arms. Holy Mary pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”
GARDA APPEAL
“An incident room has been established at Clonmel Garda station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation.
“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact the investigation team.
“Any road users who may have camera footage [including dash-cam] and were travelling in the area between 7pm and 7.45pm are asked to make this footage available to us.”
The Gardaí appealed to the public not to view or share images of the crash scene, saying: “We are aware that images of the immediate aftermath of this collision are being shared on social media and messaging applications.
“Gardaí are also aware of the presence of a private drone over the collision scene during the aftermath of the road traffic collision. Officers are appealing to the public not to share any of this material, if received, out of respect for the privacy of the deceased and their family and friends.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda station on 052 617 7640, the Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any station. Gardaí are also appealing that this tragic incident is reported on sensitively, particularly as work is still ongoing to inform families tonight.
“Our officers are also in the process of informing families of this tragic incident and request time and space during which to do so.”
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