A 43-year-old woman died last night after a car being pursued by gardaí crashed into her car in Co Kildare.
The woman was named today as Diana Harton, from Claregate Court, Kildare town.
The incident occurred northbound at junction 13 on the M7 at about 8.45pm, just north of the Kildare exit, near Kildare Village shopping complex.
It is understood gardaí were involved in a high speed pursuit of suspects after a robbery at a house in Co Tipperary.
There were five people in the car being pursued, one of whom is believed to be a 13-year-old boy.
Five people were taken to Naas and Tallaght hospitals. It is understood their injuries were serious but not life-threatening. All remain in hospital today.
Two gardaí were also taken to hospital with minor injuries and have since been released.
Ms Harton, who is believed to have been returning home from shopping at Kildare Village, died at the scene.
Fr Adrian Carbery, parish priest of Kildare town, said it was a terrible tragedy for the woman who was in the “wrong place at the wrong time”.
“We’re shocked to hear this has happened. It’s an awful situation,” he said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
Fr Adrian Carbery, parish priest of Kildare town, said it was a terrible tragedy for the Ms Harton, who was in the “wrong place at the wrong time”.
“It’s so tragic in so many ways. She was getting into her car and starting a journey to somewhere. And then before she got to the motorway she was dead. It’s an awful situation,” he said.
Fr Carbery said the community was in shock at the crash in which Ms Harton was killed. “People are gathered in their twos and threes around the streets here. We’re thinking of her poor family who are trying to cope with this terrible, terrible news. We’re praying specially for her family and friends.”
The road remained closed this morning and diversions were in place.
A statement from the Garda said the incident has been referred to the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).
A statement from GSOC confirmed a woman had died at the scene.
“A team of GSOC investigators was deployed to the scene, following referral of the incident to the Garda Ombudsman,” said the statement.
“GSOC is appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information which may assist the investigation, to contact them on 1890 600 800.”
