Sister pays tribute to 'extraordinary' brother killed in road traffic accident

THE sister of a Mayo man who died in a road traffic accident after his car was engulfed in flames after losing control on black ice described him as an 'extraordinary individual' who left a 'lasting impression'.

Maria Killeen paid tribute to her brother, Terence Killeen, who died when his car lost control on black ice at a bend along the R331 Hollymount to Claremorris road on the morning of January 5, 2024.

The inquest into Mr Killeen's death which took place in Ballina Courthouse on Friday heard that he was on his way to work at 7.25am when his Toyota Corolla lost control on black ice and collided into the path of a car driven by Ciara Hussey at Farmhill, Claremorris.

The collision resulted in Mr Killeen's car catching fire almost immediately and as a result of multiple injuries sustained in the crash he was unable to escape before the car was engulfed in flames.

Mr Killeen (38) of Redhill, Tulrahan, Claremorris worked as a design engineer with McHale Engineering in Ballinrobe and his sister, Maria told the inquest that he was an extraordinary individual.

“He was the kindest and most patient person teaching and passing on skills and helping those in need with many things he could turn his hand to. 

“Terence was for the most part quiet and reserved on the outside but this did not reflect the cogs and wheels turning on the inside. He was a brilliant engineer showing advanced creativity and problem solving since he was a child, going on to excel in college and in his work,” she said.

Devastated

Ms Killeen said that in a matter of seconds their lives turned into a nightmare but they were also very proud of what Terence achieved in life.

“We are still shocked and devastated at the loss of Terence. Every day now is different to how it was before and my parents are missing the son they loved so dearly...their future ripped apart in the most unnatural way. 

“We take comfort in the memories of the times we shared and how his suffering was short. We are proud of him and his life and the legacy he left behind showing that kindness, hardwork and the passion for life left a lasting impression on those lives that he touched,” he commented.

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The collision occurred approximately 6km south of Claremorris on the R331 and the inquest heard that the road was 'lethal' and like an 'ice rink' that morning.

Ciara Hussey, the driver of the Opel Astra which collided with Mr Killeen's vehicle told the inquest that she was travelling towards Claremorris, when she described headlights coming towards her on her side of the road before colliding.

Ms Hussey suffered a broken leg in the collision and recalled the front of her car catching fire as she struggled to free herself.

“I managed to undo my seatbelt and crawl from the front driver seat of my car to the back seat. The other car was engulfed in flames. I managed to get out of the back seat of my car and crawl along the ground away from the cars,” she said.

Unmerciful smash

Ms Hussey said she left her mobile in the car and was unable to call for help but a third car arrived on the scene after a few minutes and this driver was able to contact the emergency services.

As a result of the collision, Ms Hussey broke her tibia and fibula as well as dislocated ankle and spent seven days in hospital. To date she has had three surgeries on her right leg and may have to undergo a further surgery. 

She also told the inquest that she has had to move back into her parent's home near Swinford because she needs assistance with her injuries. 

Kevin Gibbons recalled being in bed at 7.30am when he heard an 'unmerciful smash' on the road outside his home. He described the cry for help from a lady as a 'haunting sound'. 

When he went outside, Mr Gibbons said it was dark but he could see a vehicle on fire and was told by a girl that there was someone in that car.

“There was a series of bangs and explosions from the cars and shot flames high into the sky. It was frightening. 

“The heat was intense and I could not get any closer. I felt so helpless,” he said.

Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald - Coroner for Mayo

Mr Gibbons added that it was quick how the car was completely engulfed but he could not recall any cries for help from Mr Killeen's car.

A number of other witnesses told the inquest that the condition of the road was slippery and Mr Gibbons said he slipped twice and described the road as a sheet of ice.

Garda Kieran Fitzgerald who arrived at the scene said that earlier that morning the roads seemed to be fine but it appeared the road froze around the time of the collision. He recalled that other cars were reported to have slid off that road that morning.

Regina Lavin told the inquest that she was the first car to come upon the collision and rang 999 at 7.44am after seeing a girl in the ditch. She said when she went to help Ms Hussey, her two feet went from under her on the road.

The inquest heard that members of the fire service managed to bring the fire under control and the body of Mr Killeen was taken from the vehicle.

Lost Control

Sergeant Gabriel McLoughlin, forensic collision investigator who examined both vehicles concluded that Mr Killeen's car lost control on the bend due to the ice and the back of his car moved into the opposite lane into the path of Ms Hussey's car. He said the front of her car collided with the passenger side of Mr Killeen's and both vehicles came to a rest at the point of impact. 

Sgt McLoughlin said that it is likely the fire started as a result of damage to the fuel system along the passenger side of the Toyota Corolla and the petrol would have ignited when it came in contact with the exhaust or catalytic converter. 

When questioned by Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald, Coroner for Mayo, Sgt McLoughlin said that once Mr Killeen's car went out of control there wasn't enough grip to avoid a collision. He said the centre of his car was crushed and he could not comment for the reason he may not have been unable to escape from the vehicle.

A post mortem performed by Dr Tomas Nemeth, Consultant Pathologist in Mayo University Hospital revealed that Mr Killeen suffered extensive third-degree burns and multiple injuries, including fractures of the right femur and ribs on both sides.

It was not possible for him to conduct an examination of the internal organs due to the severity of the injuries and as a result he could not determine the exact medical cause of death. 

Dr Fitzgerald said that the death of Mr Killeen highlighted the dangers associated with driving when there is black ice and there was no way of predicting how dangerous the conditions were for the drivers on that road. She added that it was fortunate that Ms Hussey did not lose her life in the collision.

She also noted how quickly the car was engulfed in flames and that people need to be aware that this risk can occur in collisions. 

Dr Fitzgerald said that having heard the evidence she felt that the fire along with the injuries sustained in the collision contributed to Mr Killeen's death and recorded a verdict of accidental death.

She extended her sympathy to the family of Mr Killeen saying his death must have been devastating for them.

Ms Killeen thanked members of An Garda Siochána for the support they have given the family during the investigation and also thanked all the people who did what they could at the scene of the collision.