Mayo councillor describes harrowing scenes at death crash site

A local man today described ‘heartrending’ scenes when he arrived at the location of last night’s crash which claimed two young lives on the outskirts of Ballina.

"Twenty or 30 youngsters were milling about," Gerry Ginty, a member of Mayo County Council, said. “Many were crying. Nobody knew what to do. It was a sight I would never want to witness again in my lifetime.”

Two males, both in their 20s. died as the result of the impact which occurred around 11.15 a.m. when their car left the road and hit a tree near the Costcutter Store on the Killala Road.

One died at the scene. The other was later pronounced dead at Mayo University Hospital.

A third male, also in his twenties, was seriously injured. He is recovering in hospital.

Councillor Ginty said that Ballina is in a state of shock following the accident and he extended sympathy to the families affected by the tragedy. 

“I know parents and grandparents of one of the victims," he stated.

The smash occurred only about 100 yards from the councillor’s home.

“Around midnight I heard the dog barking," he recalled, “I looked out thinking there might be somebody around the house. When I saw blue lights flashing I though there was a garda checkpoint.

“But when I saw the ambulances I knew there was something wrong."

Councillor Ginty said that where the accident happened is by no means a ‘blackspot'.

“There’s a curve on the road," he explained, “but it’s by no means dangerous. There have been a few minor accidents there in the past."

Local diversions are in place following the accident pending the completion of a forensic collision investigation.

Gardai for appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them in Ballina at 096 - 20560 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.