TWO TEENAGE girls died and two more were in a critical condition last night following a road incident in east Galway yesterday. LORNA SIGGINS, Western Correspondent reports
They were among a group from the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, based in Clonskeagh, Co Dublin.
The girls were part of an all-female group going to an adventure centre at Killary in Connemara, which plays host to school and college students from all over the country.
The crash occurred at Kilrickle, between Ballinasloe and Loughrea, at about 2.30pm. Gardaí believe no other vehicle was involved.
It is understood that the people- carrier vehicle with seven passengers was part of a convoy. It lost control when it crashed into an island used as a traffic-calming measure at the approach to the village on the N6 Dublin-Galway road.
The vehicle then left the road and struck a pole before stopping in a field.
The emergency services were called. Four ambulances from Galway and Ballinasloe and three fire tenders were dispatched to the location. Two of the girls were pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardaí closed the road on both sides of Kilrickle village and set up diversions. Fire brigade staff had to use cutting equipment to free several of the passengers.
Three of the injured were taken to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe and two were taken to University College Hospital, Galway. It is understood that two of the survivors were in a critical condition, and two were described as "seriously injured", while a fifth person sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Supt Enda Walsh, who is leading the Garda investigation, described the incident as a "terrible tragedy", and said he was appealing for witnesses and anyone who could help the Garda with its inquiries.
Relatives of the dead girls and those injured were travelling to Galway last night.
The remaining members of the group, who had been travelling in separate minibuses, were taken back to Dublin. They were said to be very shocked and upset.
Jamie Young, owner of the Killary Adventure Company in Leenane, Co Galway, confirmed that this had been the Islamic centre's first visit to the area. It was an all-female group and female instructors had been organised to work with them.
"We send our sincere condolences to the families of the two young women who have lost their lives, and we hope those injured will make a good recovery and we wish them well," said Mr Young.
Imam Hussein Halawa, of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, expressed his condolences to the families of the dead girls and wished those injured a speedy recovery.