Carlow crash 'one of the most severe and traumatic cases' gardaí ever attended

It is understood the four were returning to a local service station where they had been earlier on Wednesday night. They were to meet up with other car enthusiasts when the crash occurred at Leagh on the N80 between Glynns Bus Cross and Tinryland.

Garda Superintendent Anthony Farrell, who attended the scene after the accident, said: “In my 25 years of service, [this is] probably one of the most severe cases that I’ve attended. It was really, really traumatic.”

The deceased were “young people in the prime of their lives, just starting out,” he said.

Mr Culbert was well known in autograss, a form of amateur motor racing. Tributes from the racing world have been pouring in. 

In a post on Friday, the Rallysport Association said the 21-year-old was a true gentleman who will be sorely missed by all at the association.

The association said that the Kiltegan man was a young Crosskart talent, whose “ability was clear for all to see with a number of victories and podium finishes, always accompanied with a smile, alongside his father Trevor.” The association extended its sympathies to his parents Trevor and Heather, his sisters and his sider family, as well as the family and friends of the other young people involved in the accident.

His death has shocked the world of autograss racing, with West Waterford Autograss Club saying there was great sadness.

Meanwhile, a tribute was paid to 19-year-old Katie Graham by her former primary school in Arless, Co Laois.

The post on social media said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the sudden death of one of our past pupils, Katie Graham. We would like to express our deepest condolences to her family and the families of the other two boys who also lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with these families. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”

The remains of the three who were killed were moved to University Hospital Waterford yesterday afternoon for autopsy and formal identification.

Gardaí said the car was extensively damaged in the impact of the crash.

Last night, Fr Tom Little, who attended the scene on Wednesday night, said that prayers were offered for the victims and their families at two Masses in Askea and Bennekerry yesterday.

Fr Little said the crash was a reminder of a collision in 2015 which claimed the lives of four young women who were travelling from Athy to Carlow town.

He also said that the scene of Wednesday night’s crash is close to where a fatal accident occurred last September, resulting in the death of Wexford man William Power when his car was in collision with a truck at Graiguenaspiddoge.

Concerns raised by local representatives 

Local representatives have expressed concerns about the safety of the road in recent years, the main route between Portlaoise and Rosslare.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor John McDonald said concerns had been raised by local representatives as recently as this week about the road.

He said: “There were two crashes there around Christmas, and a person lost his life there last September.”

Fianna Fáil TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor also highlighted concerns about the road and says action needs to be taken on improving it. She added: “We can see the urgency of it now — one life lost is too much but today’s three is an absolute tragedy for Carlow. The sadness and loss of life is horrific.”

Carlow County Council Chairwoman Andrea Dalton said there are a number of bad bends in the area and while there are markings and flashing lights in place, she said a project to address the bends is planned.

“That is three families in three communities who have been devastated overnight,” she said.

In a statement, Carlow County Council extended its sympathies to the bereaved families, saying safety realignment measures are being undertaken on the road.

Speaking in Brussels yesterday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I’m really sorry to hear about the news and our thoughts and condolences go to the families affected and the community as well.

“I don’t know the details of it yet but there will be an investigation. I think there’s one person in hospital so hopefully they make a speedy recovery.”

According to Road Safety Authority (RSA) research, people aged 16-25 years are the age group most at risk of dying in road crashes, with 48 fatalities in that age group last year.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the Carlow collision to come forward. A spokesperson said: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N80 at Leagh between 11.15pm and midnight are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Carlow garda station on 059 9136620, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111, or any Garda station.”

Gardaí say there will be an extensive road safety operation from today until Tuesday morning for the holiday weekend.

Last year, there was one fatality during the St Brigid’s holiday weekend, along with 16 serious injury collisions.