Updated at 12.35pm
GARDAÍ ARE ANXIOUS to contact witnesses who may have information about an incident where a jogger was killed in a hit-and-run incident, but are satisfied that there was “nothing sinister in this”.
Karl Robertson (28) was out jogging when he was struck by a van in the Hazelwood Drive area of Artane shortly after 9.45pm Wednesday night.
Karl received medical assistance at the scene before being taken to Beaumont Hospital, where his injuries were described as critical. He died last night from his injuries.
The white Renault Megane van didn’t stop and was located abandoned nearby on Beechlawn Grove, Coolock (close to Parnell’s GAA Club).
A 30-year-old man, who gardaí are satisfied is the driver of the van, came forward yesterday and is helping gardaí with their investigation.
He has been released without charge.
Superintendent Gerard Donnelly told reporters today that they were satisfied the van wasn’t stolen. While the investigation is a criminal one, Donnelly said he was satisfied Robertson hadn’t been targeted.
Gardaí said that it was their understanding that the incident was a ‘traffic accident’ and that Karl may have been crossing the road at the time of the accident.
Three particular witnesses
Gardaí today said that they are looking to speak with any person who was at the Hazelwood Drive area between 9.45 and 10pm.
Donnelly said they were anxious to speak with three people in particular:
I’m most anxious to contact, or for someone to come forward with information, about a man in his 20s, possibly not from Ireland, who interacted with some of the people here who were assisting Karl at the scene. That person indicated that he had witnessed the collision and I would ask him to come forward.
I’m also aware that there may have been a couple who were in the area at the time and again I appeal to them to come forward.
I’m also anxious to trace a taxi driver who picked up a man in his early 30s on Oscar Traynor Road shortly after 10pm on Wednesday night. And he brought that fare to the Kabarren Avenue area of Coolock. And
Plea
Speaking yesterday to RTÉ News, Karl’s sister Niamh pleaded for whoever was responsible for the hit and run or who may have information to come forward.
“Anyone who has done this, anyone who may have seen something, heard something, seen a car speeding around the area last night, anyone with any information, please, please, please contact the gardaí, even if it’s anonymously,” she said.
Niamh said the family had received information of the incident late on Wednesday night.
“I was trying not to think of it as too serious,” she said.
I was trying keep the family positive, because my Mam broke down straight away, she nearly fell to the ground, it was horrible.
Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses with information to contact them at Coolock Garda Station on (01) 666 4200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111 or any garda station.
With reporting from Gráinne Ní Aodha
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