LAST UPDATE | 20 Aug 2021

FOUR PEOPLE, INCLUDING a child, have died in a multiple-vehicle collision in Co Galway.

Gardaí are investigating the fatal road traffic collision involving three vehicles,which occurred at 7.40pm yesterday on the M6 at Poolboy, Ballinasloe, County Galway.

Four people were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies were removed to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, for post mortem examinations.

The M6 in both directions between Junction 14 and 15 is currently closed and Forensic Collision Investigators are examining the scene. Local diversions are in place.

Sources in the area said that the investigation will likely focus on eyewitness reports that one of the cars was travelling in the wrong direction along the dual carriageway. 

It is understood one of the vehicles involved contained a family including a young child who gardaí believe was killed in the collision.

Local Councillor Dermot Connolly, who is the Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District said the community were numbed by shock as news filtered out about the crash.  

“We are just reeling from the fact this happened here in our community and then to hear this morning that there were four fatalities.

“I only came off that exit less than 24 hours before with my own wife and small children and I just think it could have been anyone.

“It is just terrible and it’s a surreal feeling for all of us. People are shocked. You hope that something like this wouldn’t visit the community, it’s our worst nightmare,” he said. 

Connolly said that first responders and other emergency personnel were rapidly on the scene. 

“They were there fairly fast and my understanding is that there was nothing could be done to help the people.

“There was a person with minor injuries in a third car and everyone here would like to wish her a speedy recovery. I’d like to pay tribute to the local emergency services too, they did their best at a very difficult incident.

“On behalf of people locally I just want to send my sympathies to the families of the people involved and say that their in our prayers,” he added.

Road safety appeal

In a road safety appeal this morning Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, who heads up the national garda Roads Policing, called for drivers to take care.

“Not only has it been a horrific 24 hours on the roads, we are also seeing an increase in road deaths this year compared to the same period last year. Road tragedies affect all parts of the country.

“Every fatal or serious injury collision has a devastating impact on family, friends and communities.

“As we think of and send our sympathies to the families and friends of those who have been killed on our roads, I would ask every road user to play their part to make our roads safer and to think about their safety, and that of other road users,” she said. 

Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said it had been a dark 24 hours on Irish roads.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed. These deaths should serve to remind us that everyone is at risk when using the roads.

“We are at risk at any time of the day or week. Life is fragile and using the roads is one of the most dangerous things we do each day, and we must never forget this,” he said.

Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses of this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the M6 at Poolboy, Ballinasloe, between 7:20pm and 7:50pm yesterday, to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

With reporting from Cónal Thomas