Four young people killed in car crash on way to exam results party

A man in his early 20s and three women in their teens died in the collision that has been described as 'every parent's worst nightmare'

The single vehicle collision happened shortly after 7.30pm on the Mountain Road in Clonmel, with Gardaí confirming that the male driver, early 20s, and three female passengers, all adult teenagers, were killed.

According to multiple outlets, the three women had received their Leaving Cert results earlier on Friday and were on their way to a party to celebrate when the crash took place.

It has also been reported in various outlets that a brother and sister were among the fatalities in the collision.

"Devastating and heartbreaking"

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described the events in Clonmel on Friday evening as "devastating and heartbreaking" and offered his sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who died.

"It is with deep sadness that I learned of the tragic incident in Clonmel last night," he wrote.

Education Minister Norma Foley also said she was "saddened beyond measure" to learn of the tragedy.

"Heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and school community of the young people involved," she added.

"Heartbreaking news on a day of such celebration for the Class of 2023. Prayers and thoughts with all involved."

Local Independent TD Mattie McGrath described the incident as "every parent's worst nightmare".

"Thinking of everyone affected by last night's horrific tragedy in Clonmel," he said.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken from the scene to South Tipperary General Hospital, with post-mortem examinations due to be conducted in the coming days.

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators (FCI) have been requested to conduct an examination of the scene, which will take place on Saturday.

An incident room has also been established at Clonmel Garda Station, while a Senior Investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation into the crash.

Gardaí are now appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact the investigation team.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam footage, and were travelling in the Mountain Road area between 7pm and 7.45pm are asked to make this footage available to An Garda Síochána.

"Gardaí are aware that images of the immediate aftermath of this collision are being shared on social media and messaging applications," a Garda spokesperson added.

"An Garda Síochána are appealing to the public not to share any of this material, if received, out of respect for the privacy of the deceased and their family and friends."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.