Road reopens following death of teenager on Achill Island

THE road at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision on Achill Island has reopened to traffic following an investigation by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

A 17-year-old male was killed in the early hours of Monday morning when his Volkswagen Golf car struck a pole close to the Achill Head Hotel in Pollagh on Achill Island. It is understood that the teen who has yet to be publicly named was from the parish of Achill.

Following the collision, the main R319 Keel to Dooagh road was closed to traffic from early morning to allow Garda Forensic Collision Investigators to carry out an examination of the scene but reopened to traffic at approximately 12.30pm this afternoon.

Following an initial investigation it is understood that the car was travelling in the direction of Keel when it struck a pole close to the Achill Head Hotel at approximately 12.45am. The impact then propelled the car into the wall of a nearby house before coming to a halt.

Residents of the area rushed to the scene after hearing the impact of the collision and emergency services were contacted but the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gardaí confirmed that the casualty was the sole occupant of the car and it is believed that no other vehicle was involved at the time of the collision.

The body of the driver has since been removed from the scene and brought to Mayo University Hospital for a post mortem to take place.

Gardaí investigating the death are appealing for witnesses and anyone with video footage, including motorists with dash-cam, from the area at the time, are asked to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 502 30, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.