Gardaí here in Castleisland are appealing for witnesses to help in their investigations into a single-vehicle accident which occurred at Knockeenahone – about half way on the near eight mile stretch of road between Scartaglin and Ballydesmond. The accident, which claimed a young life and left two others with injuries, happened close to midnight last night. One of those injured is an infant and Garda confirmation verified earlier reports that they are from the Mallow area of North Cork.
A14-year-old girl, a front-seat passenger, was seriously injured in the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, a 20-year-old woman and an 18-month old baby girl were also injured – but not seriously. The car left the road and collided with a ditch. It then entered a field along which it careered unimpeded for the best part of 100 yards. All were taken to Kerry General Hospital.
The road was closed up to early this morning to allow Gardaí to conduct a forensic examination of the area.
The car was travelling from the Ballydesmond side and towards Scart and had just come off a long curving bend on the road there.
A local man recalled older people in the area talking about a similar accident at that particular spot some years ago.
The scene held its secret close this morning and was serenely peaceful after the terrible, night-time event which has left another family in deep mourning. Pairs of Butterflies courted and danced in the early morning sun over the buttercup covered field. A reminder, perhaps, that as a life goes – life goes on.
Gardaí at the Castleisland Station can be contacted on: 066 71 41204 or on: 066-7163090 or on the Garda Confidential Line on: 1800 666 111
