Three Irish people have been killed in a 'devastating' car crash in southern Spain, which left a fourth Irish person seriously injured, an Irish minister has confirmed. The incident occurred on the A-7 motorway near Malaga shortly after 2:30am CEST (1:30am BST) on Monday, according to Spanish authorities.
Details of the Collision
Two vehicles collided on the A7 motorway, and one of the vehicles then fell down an embankment beside the road. Emergency services, including firefighters and officers from the Civil Guard, attended the scene. All four individuals are believed to be from Mullingar in Co Westmeath and aged in their late 20s or early 30s, as reported by the Irish Mirror.
Minister's Response
Robert Troy, minister of state at the Department of Finance and TD for Co Westmeath, said he knows one of the families involved and received the 'absolutely devastating' news on Sunday evening. 'I spoke to them yesterday and needless to say they’re absolutely devastated,' he told RTE. 'It’s the worst of phone calls to get, they only went on holidays at the end of last week.' He added: 'Our thoughts are with that family and indeed all families affected and all we can do is hold them in our thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with this great loss.' Troy noted that the local community was also 'devastated' and 'saddened' at the news.
Consular Assistance and Investigation
Helen McEntee, minister for foreign affairs, also told RTE: 'It is a tragic accident, a tragic incident and the most important thing now is their families are supported and given every assistance possible.' She offered condolences to the families and said both her department and An Garda Siochana had reached out immediately to them. She added that it is important to establish what happened. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is aware of the incident and is currently providing consular assistance to the families involved, but does not comment on the specifics of individual cases.
