The Daily Star Ireland
In the townland of An Bhealtaine, Gort an Choirce, Co Donegal, a tragic accident occurred around 9:30 pm last night when a car collided with the gable wall of a house. The driver, a teenager, and a rear seat passenger in his 20s, both lost their lives. They have been locally identified as Jamie Diver and Shaun McClafferty.
Two other occupants, another teenager and a man in his 20s, sustained serious injuries. They were initially taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, with one later transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin due to critical injuries. All four individuals were from the An Fál Carrach area, located just a few kilometers from the crash site.
Fortunately, no one inside the house was injured. The bodies of the deceased have been moved to Letterkenny University Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The road remains closed as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination, and local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly road users with camera footage from the area between 9 pm and 9:30 pm last night, to assist in their investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Milford Garda Station at 074 916 7100, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Local representatives have expressed their condolences. Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal, Pat the Cope Gallagher, remarked that a dark cloud has descended over west Donegal following the untimely deaths. He extended thoughts and prayers to the families of the deceased and the injured, noting the community’s solidarity during this tragic time.
Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty shared that the community is heartbroken over the loss of two young lives with promising futures. He emphasized the collective grief and the community’s support for the affected families, offering prayers for the injured individuals battling in the hospital.
In light of the tragedy, local GAA club Chloich Cheann Fhaola postponed their scheduled game against Naomh Micheál. One of the injured young men was set to play in the match, and his family is deeply involved with the club.
