Gardaí in Nenagh are appealing for witnesses to the fatal collision, which occurred at approximately 6:45 pm, on the R503 at Rearcross, Co Tipperary.
A 15-year-old girl, a passenger in one of the cars, was pronounced dead at the scene this evening.
The three other occupants of that car – a man in his 20s, a woman in her 20s, and a girl in her mid-teens – and the woman driver of the second car were transported by ambulance to Limerick University Hospital for assessment. Their injuries are not deemed to be life-threatening.
The body of the deceased has been transferred to the mortuary at Limerick University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
The R503 is closed until further notice between Newport and Kilcommon due to the serious road traffic collision. Council crews assisting with road diversions.
Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill, who lives in Thurles, knows the area well.
“Unfortunately, Tipperary has experienced more than its fair level of tragedies in the last 12 months, and this is another one where a young life is lost.
“It’s a road I know well. I used to drive it an awful lot at one stage when I was in the ICMSA. I used to go to Limerick at least three days a week, and that would have been my route. It’s the Thurles Newport road. That was my route to Limerick.
“There’s a young girl, in the prime of her life, and a family in deep mourning today. Deepest sympathies to the family and I hope all the other four injured make a full recovery.”
It’s understood the girl had moved from Thurles to Holycross in recent months.
“For a young life to be lost like, just 15 years old, it’s tragic,” said Deputy Cahill.
“We’re only into the New Year and this isn’t a good start.
“There’s a young 15-year-old girl lying in a morgue this morning and that’s the tragedy,” added Deputy Cahill.
Independent Tipperary County Cllr Micheál Lowry is from the Holycross-Thurles area.
“She’s 15, and there are three other people in their 20s. There have been a number of accidents on that road. I know of two other people who were involved in accidents on that road,” said Cllr Lowry.
Rearcross is located close to the Limerick-Tipperary county boundary in a mountainous area, about halfway between Thurles and Limerick city.
There has been a “considerable” amount of investment in the road system in the area, said Cllr Lowry. “The surface would be good, but the road would be twisty.”
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Additionally, anyone with camera footage (including dashcam) from the area at the time is requested to provide it to Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station at 067 50450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – February 16th
