Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred at Kilminchy, Portlaoise, Co Laois this afternoon.
The collision involving a pedestrian and a car occurred at approximately 4.20pm. A five-year-old boy was fatally injured and taken to Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in a serious condition.
He was pronounced dead a short time later and a postmortem will take place. The woman driver of the car, aged in her 40s, was not injured.
The road will be closed overnight and a technical examination is due to be carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators on Sunday morning.
It is the second death on Irish roads this weekend after a man died following a collision between a quad bike and motorcycle in Co Westmeath. The collision involving a quad bike and motorcycle occurred at approximately 3.30pm. The male driver of quad bike, aged in his 20s, was fatally injured and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has since been removed to the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, where a postmortem will take place.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the Portlaoise collision to contact them.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dashcam) and were travelling in Kilminchy, Portlaoise, Co Laois between 4pm and 5pm this afternoon are asked to make this footage available to investigating officers.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda station on 057–8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800–666111, or any Garda station
Given the recent surge in tragic road incidents, what steps are being taken to enhance road safety measures in Ireland?
Archyde Interview: Investigating Fatal Road Incidents
Today, we speak with Sergeant Sarah Hannigan, the officer in charge of the Garda Forensic Collision investigation Unit, following the tragic road incidents in Portlaoise and Co Westmeath this weekend.
Sergeant Sarah Hannigan: A Call for Vigilance on Irish Roads
Archyde (A): Sergeant Hannigan, can you tell our readers more about the incident in Portlaoise yesterday?
sergeant Sarah Hannigan (SSH): at approximately 4:20 PM, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a fatal road traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a car at Kilminchy, Portlaoise. Despite best efforts,a five-year-old boy was sadly pronounced dead at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this challenging time.
A: This is the second fatality on Irish roads this weekend. Could you discuss the Westmeath incident as well?
SSH: Indeed, this weekend has been tragic for Irish roads. Around 3:30 PM on Saturday, a collision occurred between a quad bike and a motorcycle near Mullingar. The male driver of the quad bike, a man in his 20s, was fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.
A: What is the investigation process like in such cases, Sergeant?
SSH: Our primary concern is establishing the facts surrounding the collision. We’ll examine the scene, gather statements from witnesses, and analyze any available footage. Our Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are trained to reconstruct the incident, helping us understand what happened and why. This details is vital for preventing future incidents.
A: How can we, as a community, help improve road safety and prevent such tragedies?
SSH: Road safety is a shared responsibility. We urge drivers to reduce speed, minimize distractions like mobile phones, and always wear seat belts. Pedestrians should use crossings where possible and ensure they’re visible, especially in poor weather or low light. Additionally, if you witness a collision, please stop and assist if it’s safe to do so.Your testimony and footage could be crucial.
A: Lastly,Sergeant,many families across Ireland are now without loved ones due to road tragedies this year. What message would you like to send to them and to the wider public?
SSH: Losing a loved one in a road tragedy is unimaginable.I want to assure grieving families that Gardaí are committed to seeking justice and improving road safety. To the public, I urge you to think about your actions. Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy. Please, let’s strive to make Ireland’s roads the safest in Europe.
If you have information about these incidents, please contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057–8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800–666111, or your local Garda station.
