Garda Commissioner denounces 'reckless and dangerous driving' after five dead in M9 crash

Michael Bolton

The Garda Commissioner has warned of the potentially devastating impact of what he calls “reckless and dangerous driving”.

In a statement following Sunday’s fatal collision on the M9, Justin Kelly said his thoughts are with the family struck by a vehicle travelling the wrong way down the motorway.

Gardaí have reported that five male teenagers died in the crash near Moone, which has been referred to Fiosrú.

In line with its statutory remit, Fiosrú’s investigation relates to incidents involving contact with gardaí where a member of the public has died or been seriously injured.

A referral does not necessarily mean a garda or gardaí have been accused of wrongdoing.

Instead, it means that Fiosrú should independently investigate the incident to ascertain whether or not the act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.

Four family members in the second car - two women in their 30s, a woman in her 20s, and a child - all suffered serious injuries.

All day, teams of Garda forensic investigators combed the motorway on foot, and a blue forensic tent was set up on the roadside.

The wreckage of the two cars remained on the scene, and the M9 stayed closed off in both directions.

In response to the incident, the Road Safety Authority said that “every road death is a tragedy and behind every person who loses their life is a family, friends and a community left to deal with the devastating consequences.”

They said: “No journey should end with a family waiting for someone who will never come home.”

The vehicle was driving on the M9 between junctions 3 and 4 when a head-on crash occurred with a second car.

Gardaí are appealing for any persons who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

They are appealing to road users who were travelling on the M9 northbound or southbound between 2:00am and 3:00am on Sunday and who may have dashcam footage of the incident or surrounding area to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athy Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.