Three-car horror smash in Kilkelly

LUCKY ESCAPE Pictured is one of the cars involved in Sunday’s accident near Kilkelly

Four injured after three-car horror smash in Kilkelly on Sunday


Michael Commins

TWO young people from the Kilkelly area remain in a serious condition in Mayo General Hospital following injuries sustained in a three-car crash at Cloonturk, Kilkelly on the main N17 road on Sunday evening. However, hopes were increasing yesterday evening (Monday) that they will survive.
The accident took place at the turn-off for Kiltimagh beside the monument. It is understood that the three young people from the Kilkelly area, James Jennings, SeΡn O’Donnell and Katie O’Toole, were in the car turning off the N17 to proceed towards Kiltimagh when they were hit from behind by a car, pushing them into the path of another car travelling from Knock towards Charlestown.
Driving conditions at the time of the accident were difficult with continuous rain and some fog.
A full scale emergency was declared and a fleet of ambulances rushed to the scene. All the injured were brought to Castlebar except a Galway lady in one of the cars who was brought to hospital in Galway. Gardai closed the N17 and major diversions were put in place before the main road was reopened yesterday afternoon.
James Jennings (24) underwent a major operation in Castlebar on Sunday night. Katie O’Toole (16) is being treated for serious injuries at the hospital. The third person in the car, SeΡn O’Donnell, is understood to have been released from hospital yesterday evening. The driver of one of the other cars, Johnny O’Brien from Cloughwilly, Kilkelly, was also released from hospital yesterday.