A fundraiser for three sisters injured in the M9 wrong-way crash has raised over €200,000 (£171,000). The page, set up on GoFundMe, aims to support Ella Hendricken, Niamh Kinsella and Alma Kinsella, who remain in hospital following the head-on collision on Sunday (16 August).
Crash details
The crash occurred in County Kildare when a group of young men and boys drove the wrong way up a motorway and collided with another vehicle carrying at least four people. Two women are in a critical condition, while another woman and a seven-year-old boy are in a serious condition. It is believed the passengers were heading back from the airport when the collision happened.
In the other car, five teenagers were killed. They have been named locally as Joe Carthy, Alex McCarthy, Kamil Pustkowski, Jeremy O'Brien and Jack Kennedy, according to Irish broadcaster RTÉ News.
Official response
The incident has provoked an outpouring of sadness both in Ireland and across the wider world, with the country's President describing it as causing 'untold grief'. Irish Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the crash as a "horrific incident" caused by "irresponsible and dangerous driving".
He said: "What makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media likes regardless of the potentially devastating impact it might have on innocent people and themselves." Kelly added that police "do what they can to stop such vehicles while also taking into consideration all other road users".
Fundraiser launched
A friend of Ella Hendricken set up the fundraiser. The post reads: "Hi my name is Bryan and I’m setting up this fundraiser for my best friend Ella and her sisters, Niamh and Alma, who were recently involved in a serious road traffic accident. This has been an incredibly difficult and frightening time for Ella, Niamh, Alma and their family. They are facing a long and challenging road ahead, and right now, I ask that you keep them all in your thoughts & prayers. All funds going directly to the family".
The page has already raised over 200,000 euros (£171,000).
