Probe continues into Ballina accident

Probe continues into Ballina accident


Anna-Marie Flynn

GARDAI in Ballina are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the single-vehicle collision which cost the lives of Polish mother and daughter on Saturday morning last.
A garda appeal has been issued for witnesses or motorists travelling on the Coast Road between Ballina and Enniscrone during the timeframe of 11.30am to 11.50am on Saturday to come forward as they may be able to assist the investigation. Anyone who feels they may have information is asked to contact Ballina Station or the Garda Confidential Line as soon as possible.
Marta Krawczyk (39) and her daughter Sabina (15), from Krakow, were in a car with three other relatives when they were fatally injured after a crash occurred just before midday at Knockbrendan, on the Quay Road outside Ballina. The two females were pronounced dead at the scene. The stretch is known locally as an accident blackspot. The five were travelling in a Honda Civic which appears to have gone over a hill, and lost control travelling to the wrong side of the road before going through a boundary fence and overturning in a nearby field.
The two were among five people travelling in the car and were believed to have been on their way to visit friends in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.
The male driver and two other passengers, a male and female, were taken to Mayo General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 
The male and female passengers were released from hospital on Sunday while the driver's injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
The horrific accident came on a bank holiday weekend which saw Mayo County Council’s Road Safety division target driver fatigue by rolling out one of its most innovative campaigns to date. In conjunction with An Garda Siochana, the road safety organisation distributed pillows bearing the message ‘Are You Tired? Take A Break’.