A number of investigations have begun following a collision involving an Irish armoured military vehicle in Lebanon which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.
The victim was killed following a collision involving a Defence Forces Armoured Utility Vehicle (AUV). The vehicle was on a routine patrol as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) mission when the incident occurred.
A Unifil spokeswoman said the incident involved a civilian on a motorcycle near the village of Bayt Yahun, south Lebanon.
“Tragically, the man on the motorcycle died of his injuries,” she said. “We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and community of the deceased at this difficult time.”
Eoghan Daltun: Overgrazing eats up the last of Ireland’s ancient rainforest
Owen Doyle: Mack Hansen’s ill-advised comments simply cannot be allowed pass without sanction
Christmas - and the perfect family life it represents - is an oppressive fantasy
Strike: The Ink Black Heart review: JK Rowling’s unlikely cult hit is a gift that keeps on giving
A Defence Forces spokeswoman said the Defence Forces “have extended their condolences and sympathies to the municipality and family of the deceased”.
The soldiers in the vehicle at the time are currently being debriefed and Defence Forces military police have begun an investigation.
Investigations have been launched by Unifil’s International Military Police (IMPs) and the local Lebanese authorities.
The Irish military operates several AUV vehicles, which weigh about six tonnes, as part of its 460-troop commitment to Unifil.
“The Irish Defence Forces can confirm, while out on a routine patrol this morning, an Armoured Utility Vehicle (AUV) was involved in a road traffic accident which resulted in a civilian fatality,” a Defence Forces statement said.
“The Irish Military Police and International Military Police (IMPs) are involved with local Lebanese authorities, investigating this incident.”
