Students killed in Tipperary crash were on their way to celebrate Leaving Cert results

Stephen Porzio

Four young people have tragically passed away in a road accident in Co. Tipperary.

A man in his early 20s and three teenage girls sadly died in the collision that has been described as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 25th in Tipperary.

The single-vehicle collision happened shortly after 7.30 pm on the Mountain Road in Clonmel, with Gardaí confirming that the male driver, early 20s, and three female passengers, all adult teenagers, were killed.

According to multiple outlets, the three women had received their Leaving Cert results earlier on Friday and were on their way to a party to celebrate when the crash took place.

It has also been reported in various outlets that a brother and sister were among the fatalities in the collision.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken from the scene to South Tipperary General Hospital, with post-mortem examinations due to be conducted in the coming days.

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators (FCI) have been requested to conduct an examination of the scene, which will take place on Saturday.

An incident room has also been established at Clonmel Garda Station, while a Senior Investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation into the crash.

Gardaí are now appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact the investigation team.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam footage, and were travelling in the Mountain Road area between 7pm and 7.45pm are asked to make this footage available to An Garda Síochána.

“Gardaí are aware that images of the immediate aftermath of this collision are being shared on social media and messaging applications,” a Garda spokesperson added.

“An Garda Síochána are appealing to the public not to share any of this material, if received, out of respect for the privacy of the deceased and their family and friends.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Tributes have been pouring in following the tragedy on Friday evening.

Minister for Education Norma Foley, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Local Independent TD Mattie McGrath have all paid tribute.

Saddened beyond measure to learn of the tragedy in Clonmel. Heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and school communitiy of the young people involved. Heartbreaking news on a day of such celebration for the Class of 2023. Prayers and thoughts with all involved. pic.twitter.com/KyXjqkojUU

— Norma Foley T.D (@NormaFoleyTD1) August 26, 2023

Mattie McGrath said what happened is “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

“Sometimes there are just no words strong enough to express the sadness and horror of such an unthinkable tragedy for the families and friends of the four young lives taken far too soon.”