Kildare Crash: Officers told not to pursue car on motorway

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has revealed that Gardaí (Irish police) were ordered to cease pursuing a vehicle driving the wrong way on a motorway prior to a fatal collision in County Kildare. The incident occurred on the M9 Northbound near Junction 3 at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of five teenagers.

According to local reports and the Irish broadcaster RTÉ News, the teenagers who lost their lives have been identified as Joe Carthy from Athy, County Kildare; Alex McCarthy from Carlow; Kamil Pustkowski from Limerick; Jeremy O’Brien; and Jack Kennedy. Additionally, two women and a young boy, all gravely injured in the accident, are understood to be from Carlow. The two women are critically ill, while another woman and a seven-year-old boy remain in serious condition.

Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the GRA, explained that officers made several attempts to stop the vehicle over a number of hours. Despite deploying stinger devices, the car evaded Garda efforts and continued driving the wrong way along the motorway. At that point, police were directed by command and control to disengage the pursuit, a decision consistent with standard protocol when a vehicle takes evasive action. McManus described the crash’s aftermath as “horrific” for the officers present, noting that some may require counselling for an extended period due to the traumatic experiences they encountered at the scene.

The tragic event has sparked calls for stronger measures to combat road fatalities. Leo Lieghio, vice president of the Irish Road Victims Association, emphasized the urgency of addressing dangerous driving. He spoke from personal experience, recalling the death of his 16-year-old daughter, Marsia, who was fatally struck by a vehicle traveling at 50 mph near a pedestrian crossing in Dublin in 2005. Lieghio pointed out the profound suffering endured by the families affected by such tragedies, stating, “Their lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. They will be going through hell.” He advocates for improved early interventions and structured programs targeting young drivers involved in criminal or reckless behavior, as well as heightened accountability for all road users. With 123 road deaths reported in the Republic of Ireland so far in 2026—18 more than at the same point last year—Lieghio insists that society as a whole share responsibility for reporting dangerous conduct and ensuring consequences for those endangering lives. Reflecting on his own loss, he remarked, “I can imagine what’s going on in those hospitals now. I sat beside my daughter’s bed for six days, praying and hoping for something to change, but she couldn’t fight anymore.

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More