FOUR young people have been confirmed dead after a horror crash in Clonmel, Co Tipperary this evening.
A male driver in his early 20s and three female passengers in their late teens were killed in the single-vehicle collision shortly after 7.30pm on the Mountain Road.
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The horror crash happened on the Mountain Road near ClonmelCredit: RTE
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Gardai are currently at the scene of the tragedy
It’s understood several of the young people were on their way to a Leaving Cert celebration, after receiving their results earlier today.
The bodies of the deceased have been removed from the scene to South Tipperary General Hospital and post-mortem examinations will take place in the coming days.
Gardai and other emergency services will remain at the scene on Mountain Road overnight, with the road closed off and local diversions in place.
Garda Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested to conduct an examination of the scene, which will take place on Saturday.
An incident room has been established at Clonmel Garda Station and a Senior Investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation.
The Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Richie Molloy, said locals have been plunged into grief in the wake of the horrific loss of young life.
He said: “At this stage we do not know who was involved but I know that there are a number of families receiving the most awful and tragic of news tonight.
“Today was a happy day for the young people who received their Leaving Cert results and this has cast a cloud of sadness and grief over the entire community, young and old.
“Everyone is thinking and praying for the families at this time.”
Independent TD Mattie McGrath said: “Every parent’s worst nightmare as Gardai have confirmed a number of fatalities in this evening’s tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved, their families, friends and classmates.
“Such a heartbreaking time and such devastating news for all students and their families.”
Local Councillor Pat English said that the crash is a “tragedy for the town”.
He added: “I think they were going off to a celebration for their Leaving Cert. It’s just a tragedy for the town and everyone in it.
“It’s a tragedy for everyone concerned.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said there are “no words” to describe the “heartbreaking” crash.
Taking to Twitter, he said: “Devastating news from Clonmel. Leaving Cert results day represents achievement, celebration & excitement. Tonight that has been replaced by grief, shock and sadness.
“Thinking of the families, friends and school community of the four young people.”
Fine Gael Councillor John Fitzgerald said: “A very significant event has taken place and it’s very sad. It seems to be a dreadful tragedy.”
Gardai have urged any witnesses of the tragic collision to come forward and contact their investigation team.
PROBE APPEAL
In a statement this evening, a Garda spokesperson said: “Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling in the Mountain Road area between 7pm and 7.45pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.”
They also asked members of the public to avoid sharing images of the “immediate aftermath of the collision” on social media out of respect for the victims’ families.
The spokesperson added: “Gardai are aware that images of the immediate aftermath of this collision are being shared on social media and messaging applications.
“Gardai are also aware of the presence of a private drone over the collision scene during the aftermath of the road traffic collision.
“An Garda Siochana 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 Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
According to locals, the road where the accident happened is considered dangerous because of the sharp bends and steep inclines.
The car may have gone out of control and ended up on its roof with the young people trapped inside.
Local people contacted the emergency services and gardai, ambulances and fire service personnel were quickly on the scene.
Gardai earlier said they were informing the families of those who died and appealed for space and time to do so.
In a previous statement, they said: “An Garda Siochana 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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