The seven-year-old child injured in the crash on the M9 in Kildare has been released from hospital and is now being cared for by family members. Sisters Ella, Niamh, and Alma Kinsella, all in their 20s and 30s, remain hospitalised, though Alma's seven-year-old son has been discharged.
Family's recovery progress
The family was travelling to Dublin Airport for a flight to attend a family wedding when their Hyundai was struck by a BMW being driven in the wrong direction on the motorway by five teenagers, all of whom died in the collision. Friends have disclosed that the sisters are making encouraging progress, with hopes they could leave hospital before September ends.
A friend told the Irish Mail on Sunday: "They have had a lot of surgery but the talk now is, if things continue to keep going so well for them, they might even get out of hospital in two or three weeks' time."
Support and fundraising
The friend added that the family had been 'overwhelmed' by the church vigil held last Friday week 'and the level of good wishes from people', continuing: "They were not conscious of any of that when it was happening, so when they saw it, they were blown away. Alma's little boy broke a leg in the crash and he is doing well."
A GoFundMe appeal organised by a friend of one of the sisters has surpassed £650,000. The mother of the three sisters, Clare, said in a statement published on behalf of the family that they had been astounded by the generosity of the Irish public.
Family statement
Clare wrote: "We wanted to take a moment as a family to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported Ella, Niamh and Alma. The kindness and generosity shown to our family has been truly overwhelming. From everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent messages, kept us in their thoughts or supported us in any way, please know how much it means to all of us."
She added: "Right now, our focus is completely on the girls and being together as a family. We aren't ready to share any further details at this stage, and we really appreciate everyone continuing to respect our privacy. What we did want to do was personally acknowledge the incredible support we've received. Seeing so many people come together for the girls has meant more to us than we could ever properly put into words."
The statement was signed: "With love and gratitude, Clare and family."
