The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission is investigating a motorway crash involving two civilian cars and a garda car, which has claimed the life of a young woman last night.
Published: 24 Oct 2014 at 08: 30
The incident unfolded after Gardai were alerted to a number of robberies in the Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. It is believed a car with five people on board were escaping gardai when they crashed through the Toll Plaza at Portlaosie. Gardai from the Laois/Offaly Division were involved in the chase at this stage.
The pursuits proceed through four counties and entered county Kildare shortly before 9pm. Those in the fleeing car had five occupants, aged between 13 years and those in their 20’s.
As the raiders car travelled at high speed along the M7, a woman had entered onto the Motorway at Junction 13, Kildare and it is reported that as she merged onto the M7, the car being chased by Gardai had rear ended the woman’s car.
Gardai say the woman died at the scene. Seven other people, including two gardai were injured in the crash.
Emergency Services
Seven Ambulances, two Ambulance Incident Officers a number of units of KIldare Fire Service from Newbridge and Monasterevin were mobilised to the incident. Emergency service personnel attempted to stop traffic on the motorway to avoid a knock-on collision. Seven people were brought by Ambulance to Naas and Tallaght hospitals. Injuries suffered by the Gardai are said to be minor, while the injuries of the five occupants in the raider’s car are described as serious.
GSOC the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission was alerted to the incident and arrived on the scene at approximately 11pm. In a statement last night, GSOC confirmed that a collision occurred between two civilian vehicles, one of which was being pursued by gardai. One woman was killed in the crash and five other people were injured. GSOC Spokesperson Lorna Leigh said it appears the fleeing car may have been involved in criminal activity in Co. Tipperary earlier.
The motorway between Junction 13 Kildare and Junction 12 Newbridge was closed last night and remains closed this morning while Gardai and GSOC carry out their investigations.
Gardai who were involved and witnessed the chase were said to be ‘extremely shaken’ by the incident.
