Several feared dead in horror Tipperary crash as emergency services race to scene
A NUMBER of people are feared dead following a tragic crash in Tipperary this evening.
Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of a serious road traffic collision.
It is understood that three people, including a child, were in the vehicle when it crashed.
The single-vehicle collision occurred shortly after 9pm on Tuesday evening near Rathcoun, outside of Cashel.
A number of fire engines, ambulances and several garda cars are attending the scene.
The road has been closed, and local diversions are in place.
A Garda Spokesperson said: “Gardaí are currently at the scene of a single vehicle fatal road traffic collision, near Cashel, County Tipperary, that occurred earlier this evening, Tuesday, 29th August 2023.
“Initial indications are that there are a number of persons deceased.
“An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide further information at this time as Gardaí and other emergency services continue their work at the scene.
“An Garda Síochána are also in the process of informing families of this tragic incident and request time and space during which to do so.”
Locals expressed their sympathies for the victims of the awful tragedy.
Tipperary-based priest Fr Michael Toomey offered his condolences to those affected.
He said: “Our Tipperary county suffers again. Thoughts and prayers for those who have died in tonight’s tragedy in Cashel.”
Local Independent TD Mattie McGrath said: “More heartbreak for our community as a number of people are believed to have been killed in a crash near Cashel.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those involved, their families and the emergency services dealing with another tragic event.”
Local Fine Gael councillor Declan Burgess said it was “awful news”.
He added: “My thoughts and prayers are with the families involved.
“It’s a devastating blow for our community.”
Sinn Fein rep David Dunne said: “More sad news for Tipperary.
“A number of people have died in a road crash in Co Tippearary this evening.
“May they rest in peace.”
The incident comes after four young people lost their lives in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, last Friday when the car in which they were travelling to a Leaving Cert celebration hit a wall on Friday night
Three 18-year-old students – Zoey Coffey, Nicole Murphy and Grace McSweeney – and Ms McSweeney’s 24-year-old brother Luke died in the horror crash in Clonmel.
The tragedy has drawn the sympathies of the nation, with a vigil on Sunday night drawing around 2,000 people who gathered to mourn the loss of four young locals.
Books of condolences also opened at the local council offices at County Hall in Clonmel yesterday for the four victims as their funeral details were released earlier today.
Grace and Luke’s joint funeral will be held at 11.30am on Friday at St Peter and Paul’s Church in the town.
Nicole will be buried on Thursday following a funeral mass at midday at St John the Baptist Church in her native Kilkash.
FUNERAL MASS
While Zoey’s funeral mass will take place on Saturday at 11.30am, also at St Peter and Paul’s Church.
Several people lined up waiting to sign the books ahead of them opening today.
Around 2,000 people gathered in Clonmel on Sunday evening for a vigil for those who died.
Grieving family members and classmates of the victims were among those who attended the emotional event at Kickham Plaza.
People continued to arrive at a memorial display in the town square on Monday, standing in silence and leaving candles and other tributes.
Opening the books of condolences, mayor of Clonmel, Richie Molloy, said: “This morning, I suppose, was another part of the community coming together. We, as a council, decided to open four books of condolences for the four victims of the terrible tragedy that has occurred over the weekend.
“Last night’s vigil really showed the community coming out, I suppose to give some solace to the families, and we just can only barely imagine the trauma that they’re going through, and I think the books are another way for the people of the town to come out and to show their sympathy by signing the book.”
Parish priest at St Peter and Paul’s, Fr John Treacy, said “very difficult” days lay ahead for the families.
He told RTE Radio One: “The love of a parent for their child, it’s an unspeakable and inseparable bond of love and fidelity, and tenderness and compassion, and to lose that is just something that words cannot adequately describe.”