A MOTHER watched as her son and his girlfriend died in their burning car following a hit and run crash outside the family home in Co Wexford early yesterday morning.
Neighbours and friends gathered yesterday in small groups at Rochestown, Taghmon - 10 miles, outside Wexford town - near the scene of the crash, which claimed the life of Mr Michael Keary and his girlfriend, Ms Rebecca Furlong, both aged 18.
Mr Keary's mother, Bernadette, was awakened from her sleep by the noise of the impact at about 12.25 a.m. She ran from the house as the car was enveloped in flames after a collision with another vehicle.
The emergency services were unable to remove the bodies from the vehicle for several hours, and there were harrowing scenes as neighbours tried to comfort the family.
The crash occurred as the couple were turning into the driveway of the Keary home.
Ms Furlong sang on the local public house circuit and only last week released a 10 track cassette, Seagulls Cry.
Gardai have interviewed the driver of the second vehicle, who had earlier left the scene of the accident. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Both accident victims will be buried in Rathangan Cemetery following 10.30 Requiem Mass on Sunday morning.
Three years ago, four people were burned to death in a two vehicle crash at Waddingtown Cross, 200 yards from where yesterday's crash occurred.