Gardaí completing forensic investigation into Claremorris crash that claimed three lives

The N17 near Claremorris has reopened this afternoon as Gardaí have completed their initial forensic investigation into the cause of a horrific road crash that claimed the lives of a woman and two young girls.

The collision took place at 2pm yesterday afternoon when a car driven by the woman was involved in a crash with a fuel articulated lorry on the main Galway to Sligo N17 road at Castlegar in Claremorris. A driver of another van had to take evasive action to avoid the collision. The drivers of both the truck and the van were treated for shock at the scene but avoided serious injury.

The identity of the woman and the two girls has yet to be revealed as Gardaí attempt to contact extended family of the deceased. They are believed to be from the west Galway area.

The three deaths came just hours after another tragedy just 15 miles away in Swinford where a well-known couple lost their lives in a house fire. Tom and Eileen Mahon, who ran a furniture and flooring business in the town, died in the house fire at their home in the Deerpark area of Swinford. Their funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later today.

New Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach in-waiting Simon Harris said on social media that March 26 will be remembered as a ' devastating day for the people of Mayo'.

He added: “Thinking of the families and friends of the woman and two girls who have lost their lives in Castlegar and of Tom and Eileen Mahon, who died in a fire in Swinford. A dark day. I know the community will rally to support all those grieving.”

Mayo TD Alan Dillon said both tragedies in the county had sent shockwaves throughout their respective communities.

He added: "The loss of lives in such sudden circumstances is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by these devastating accidents. This is a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."

Speaking on Morning Ireland this morning, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr Michael Loftus also spoke of the shock in the community.

“It's a massive shock to us to hear of such an accident. When someone loses their life in a road accident so sad, but when you hear three lives lost this way, so suddenly, you know it creates great sadness in our county and in our country.”

Cllr Loftus also expressed his disappointment that some members of the public were posting photographs of the crash site on social media on Tuesday night.

“It's so disappointing to hear something like that is going on. What's wrong with these people going on social media doing this? I think it's a disgrace. And you have to respect the families at this time.”

The three deaths on Tuesday mean that seven deaths have already occurred on Mayo roads this year, in comparison to 12 in the whole of 2023. Five of the deaths so far this year have been in the wider Claremorris area.

Terence Killeen (38) lost his life in a road accident on January 5 on the R331 at Belladaff near Claremorris, while Longford native Jimmy Rowe died in another accident on the N17 near Claremorris during Storm Isha on January 21.

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to yesterday's collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.