Post-mortems to take place after five boys killed in crash on wrong side of motorway

Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to determine the cause of death for five teenage boys who lost their lives in a horrific motorway crash in County Kildare. The vehicle driven by the boys was traveling the wrong way down the M9 motorway, colliding head-on with another vehicle. Three women, including two in their 30s and one in her 20s, as well as a young child, sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to hospital. The collision occurred around 3:00 AM on Sunday between junctions 3 and 4 of the motorway at Moone.

Irish police have confirmed that no pursuit was underway before the crash and have appealed for witnesses or anyone who was on the motorway at the time to come forward with information. Forensic investigators have already completed their examination of the crash site. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the injured passengers as innocent victims who were "struck by a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the motorway," calling it a "horrific incident" and condemned the reckless and dangerous behavior, emphasizing that such actions are done for social media likes, regardless of the potential harm to others.

Garda Commissioner Kelly acknowledged the challenging situation faced by the police in such incidents, as they strive to stop dangerous vehicles while ensuring the safety of all road users. Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, described the aftermath as "absolutely catastrophic," expressing her deepest sympathies to the families of those lost, the critically injured, and the emergency responders who had to witness the scene.

She emphasized the immense impact of such losses on friends and family, stating that the consequences are incalculable.