Carndonagh in Co Donegal is “raw with grief” after a young girl died in a road collision on Wednesday night.
The child was a passenger in a car involved in a collision with a van on the R240 at Carrowmore, Glentogher, in Carndonagh.
Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the crash shortly before 6.30pm.
The woman driver of the car in her 20s, a male front seat passenger in his 30s, and another girl who was a rear passenger were all removed from the scene to Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, where they all remain in a serious condition.
No other injuries have been reported at this time.
The road is closed for a technical examination and diversions are in place. The road remains closed this morning.
Sinn Féin councillor for Carndonagh, Albert Doherty, has said the local community was “raw with grief” at the news.
“Our local community just feel devastated that once again a local family have been challenged and having to face the loss of a loved one, it’s terrible news here.”
Cllr Doherty told RTÉ Morning Ireland that conditions for driving at the time had been favourable, but that the road in question has been the scene of previous fatal accidents.
“Unfortunately locally here in Carndonagh at the turn of this year, we had the tragic loss of a young man. And here again now, a local family are having to face the terrible, terrible burden of losing a loved one. . . ”
“I have to thank all involved in emergency response for their assistance with the family, and for the local community on this and on previous occasions.”
Sinn Féin TD for Donegal Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said it was “such heart breaking news this morning about another tragedy on our roads in Donegal.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young girl who has died outside Carndonagh and all of those who are seriously injured.”
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dashcam) and were travelling in the area between 6pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda station at 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
