Gardaí investigating fatal Galway crash

Gardaí  are today trying to establish the cause of a crash in east Galway yesterday that left two teenage girls dead and two others in a critical condition.

The crash occurred at Kilrickle, between Ballinasloe and Loughrea, at about 2.30pm. It is believed no other vehicle was involved.

The girls were among a group from the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, based in Clonskeagh, Co Dublin.

They 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.

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.

Two of the survivors are in a critical condition, and two were described as "seriously injured", while a fifth person sustained non-life-threatening injuries. All five are being treated in various hospitals.

Supt Enda Walsh, who is leading the Garda investigation, said he was appealing for witnesses and anyone who could help the Garda with its inquiries.

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