Scene of crash in Co Donegal which has tragically claimed the life of a mother and her six-year-old daughter. Pic By Joe Boland/NorthWest Newspix
The young girl (6) died following a crash in Co Donegal yesterday evening, which left her mother, father and infant sister (18 months old) seriously injured.
The child’s mother, who is in her 20s, was in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, where she has since passed away.
The child’s father is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry.
The fatal road traffic collision occurred on the R240 at Carrowmore, Glentogher, Carndonagh, Co Donegal shortly before 6.30pm.
Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the collision involving a car and a van.
Parish priest of Carndonagh, Fr Con McLaughlin, was not at the scene of the crash but went to the hospital to meet the family.
He said the scene awaiting him in the emergency department is something he will never forget.
“Words are inadequate to express how I feel today,” he told the Irish Independent.
“When I heard about the accident, I immediately went straight over to Altnagelvin Hospital and the scene there in the accident and emergency room is something I will never forget.
“It renewed all the memories I had of the very serious accidents that happened previously in the area. You never forget these things.
“The grandmother was showing me photos of the two wee girls, and it was heart-wrenching.”
Fr McLaughlin said the people of Inishowen have seen a lot of tragedy on the roads.
“In 2004 to 2007, there was a series of very serious multiple-death car accidents in Buncrana and I was out on them all,” he said.
“So, it revives these losses with me and also for the community who have been hurt.
“To have another tragedy here, it is very hard. There has been too much.”
While the community remains in shock, Fr McLaughlin said local people will rally around the families involved and support them in the difficult days ahead.
“I have just come from the 10am mass and everyone is in shock, but they will come together and support the family now, as they always do,” Fr McLaughlin said.
Local 100% Redress councillor Joy Beard said the community is devastated by the tragedy.
“I am struggling to find the words,” she told the Irish Independent.
“It’s the kind of news that stops you in your tracks and breaks your heart in two.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
“There are no words.
“Just heartbreak.”
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