Two sisters are fighting for their lives in hospital after their car was hit by a vehicle travelling the wrong way on the M9 in County Kildare, in a crash that left five people dead. Niamh and Alma Kinsella, both in their 30s, remain in a critical condition following the head-on collision.
The family were on their way to Dublin Airport for a wedding abroad when a BMW collided with their car. Their sister Ella Hendricken, in her 20s, and her young nephew were also seriously injured in the crash.
Crash details
Niamh and Alma were in the front seats when the collision occurred near Moone shortly before 3am, while Ella and the child were in the back. The family is from Graigecullen in Co Carlow.
Locals have described the family as "lovely" and "quiet." Ella works as a local social worker, while Niamh is a PE teacher at a nearby school.
Hospital conditions
Niamh and Alma are understood to remain in a critical condition in Tallaght Hospital, while Ella is in St Vincent's Hospital in a serious condition. The young boy is being treated for injuries at Crumlin Children's Hospital.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Carlow Parish Priest Fr Thomas Little, who has spoken to affected families, said: "The families of the ones that were hurt are hoping to God that they make a speedy recovery.
"The community is praying for them and we remembered them in our Masses since the car accident. Those that have lost loved ones are bereft and regret that it has ever happened."
"There's no doubt a horrendous accident and the emergency services and the guards and hospitals have responded as best they can to the circumstances."
Victims and investigation
The crash claimed the lives of Jeremy O'Brien, 18, from Carlow; Alex McCarthy, 17, from Carlow, and Joey Carthy, 15, from Athy, Kildare. Jack Kennedy, 17, also from Athy, and Kamil Pustkowski, 17, from Limerick, were also killed.
Gardai continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, while Fiosru, the Garda Siochana Ombudsman, is also examining Garda contact with the BMW before the collision.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was "shocked and saddened" at the tragedy, which he described as being the result of "an irresponsible and dangerous act".
