Garda Ombudsman investigates fatal two-car collision in Westmeath

UPDATE:
The person who died in this morning’s fatal road traffic incident has been named as Jacqueline Wolohan, 51 years old, of Coolock, Dublin 17. The investigation to establish the circumstances of her death continues.

Garda Ombudsman investigates fatal two-car collision in Westmeath

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission this morning opened an investigation to establish the circumstances of a fatal road traffic incident, which occurred on the M4 near Kinnegad at about 1:30 this morning. The two-car collision occurred on the eastbound carriageway (direction Dublin), approximately a mile after the junction with the M6.

The driver of one car, a woman in her early 50s, has died. A female passenger and two children have been hospitalised with injuries. The driver of the other car, an off-duty Garda member, is also receiving medical attention.

The eastbound carriageway of the M4 between the Kinnegad and Enfield exits is likely to remain closed until early afternoon, for the forensic examination to be completed. Diversions are in place.

The incident was referred by the Garda Síochána to GSOC under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for independent investigation of “any matter that appears to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person”.

GSOC is appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, anyone who may have seen a blue Opel Astra, 2005 registration, or a silver Nissan Micra, 2004 registration, travelling on the eastbound side of the M4 at about 1:30 this morning, or anyone with information which may assist the investigation to contact them on 1890 600 800.

Further information will be provided when available.

ENDS

Lorna Lee
Head of Communications
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission