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Crash witnesses reach
double-digits
26.07.10
by Linda McGrory
A significant number of witnesses have come forward
to help in the investigation of Ireland's worst ever
road crash that claimed the lives of eight men in Co
Donegal.
The ongoing crash investigation is one of the
biggest ever undertaken in the Buncrana garda
district.
Superintendent Kevin English said garda appeals
following the July 11 collision, had yielded witness
numbers "well into the double digits".
"The investigation is ongoing and we are still
interviewing people who came forward following the
appeal. We would still ask anyone who thinks they
might be able to offer any help to our investigation
to contact us," said Supt English.
Many of the people who have so far come forward
include drivers and their passengers who were
travelling on the same road the night of the
accident.
Hugh Friel, 66, Urris, Clonmany; Mark McLaughlin,
21, Fahan; Paul Doherty, 19, and Ciaran Sweeney, 19,
Ballyliffin; Patrick 'PJ' McLaughlin, 21, Burnfoot;
Eamonn McDaid, 22, and Damien McLaughlin, 21, from
Buncrana and James McEleney, 23, Clonmany all died
instantly in the crash. The seven young men were
travelling in a black VW Passat when it was involved
in a collision with Hugh Friel's red Toyota Corolla
at Glasmullen on the main Buncrana to Clonmany road.
Supt English said the sole survivor of the crash and
driver of the black Passat is still deemed too unfit
to be interviewed. |
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Meanwhile, the HSE said
the helpline set up in the days following the
accident has been "busy" while public
representatives have appealed to Health Minister
Mary Harney to provide dedicated grief counselling
for those affected by the accident.
Donegal North East Fianna Fáil TD, Niall Blaney,
said: “So many families have lost loved ones or
close friends through this tragedy. Its effects are
far reaching and profound.
“There is a great community spirit in the areas
involved and I know that people will help each other
through the grief and the hurt.
"But the Government should provide as much supports
as possible to the local community. Professional
help by means of grief counselling and an advice
centre would be a help, I believe, and I’ve asked
the Minister for Health and Children to look closely
at the case to investigate what funding she might be
able to provide." |
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