Four young people have been confirmed dead following a horrific crash in Clonmel, Co Tipperary this evening.
A driver in his early 20s and three female passengers in their late teens were killed in a single-vehicle crash shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Mountain Road.
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The horrific crash happened on a mountain road near ClonmelCredit: RTE
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Gardai are currently at the scene of the tragedy
It appears that several young people were on their way to celebrate their Leaving Certificates after receiving their results earlier today.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken from the scene to South Tipperary General Hospital and a post mortem will be carried out in the coming days.
Gardai and other emergency services will remain at the scene on Mountain Road overnight, with the road closed and local diversions in place.
Garda forensic collision investigators have been asked to carry out 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.
Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Richie Molloy, said locals were left in grief following the horrific loss of young lives.
He said: “At this stage we don’t know who was involved but I know a number of families are receiving the most terrible and tragic news tonight.
“Today was a happy day for young people who received their matriculation results and it cast a cloud of sadness and grief over the entire community, young and old.
“Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with the families at this time.”
IDP Mattie McGrath said: “Every parent’s worst nightmare as Gardai have confirmed a number of deaths in tonight’s tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved, their families, friends and schoolmates.
“Such a heartbreaking time and such devastating news for all students and their families.”
Local councilor Pat English said the crash was a “tragedy for the town”.
He added: “I think they were going to celebrate their graduation. It’s just a tragedy for the city and everyone in it.
– It’s a tragedy for everyone involved.
Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said there were “no words” to describe the “heartbreaking” accident.
Taking to Twitter, he said: “Devastating news from Clonmel. Leaving Cert results day is achievement, celebration and excitement. Tonight that has been replaced by sadness, shock and sadness.
“Thinking of the families, friends and school community of the four young people.”
Fine Gael councilor John Fitzgerald said: “A very significant event has occurred and it is very sad. It appears to be a terrible tragedy.”
Gardai have appealed for any witnesses to the tragic collision to come forward and contact their investigation team.
PROBE COMPLAINT
In a statement tonight, a garda spokesman said: “Any road users who may have dash cam footage, including dash cam footage, and were traveling in the Mountain Road area between 7pm and 7.45pm are being asked to make this footage available To the Gardaí.”
They also asked members of the public to avoid sharing images of the “immediate aftermath of the crash” on social media out of respect for the victims’ families.
The spokesman added: “Gardai are aware of images being shared on social media and messaging apps in the immediate aftermath of this collision.
“Gardai are also aware of the presence of a private drone over the crash site following the aftermath of the road traffic collision.
“The Siochana Garda appeals to the public not to share any of this material, if received, out of respect for the privacy of the deceased and their families 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 the locals, the road where the accident happened is considered dangerous due to sharp turns and steep climbs.
The car may have spun out of control and ended up on its roof with the young people trapped inside.
Locals contacted 911 and gardai, EMS and firefighters quickly arrived at the scene.
Gardai previously said they were notifying the families of those killed and appealed for space and time to do so.
In a previous statement, they said: “The Siochana Garda are also in the process of notifying the family of this tragic incident and are seeking the time and space during which to do so.”
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Source: newstars.edu.vn