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.”
Michelin Guide 2025: Will Ireland finally get its first three-star restaurant?
Cliff Taylor: Was the 40,000 new homes figure an honest mistake or an effort to gaslight voters?
Chris O’Dowd: ‘In Hollywood we felt very disconnected, very far away’
Gerry Thornley: Scotland’s desperation to end losing run will put Ireland to the test
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.”
