Garda issue update on Monaghan crash as they urge witnesses to come forward

Gardaí are seeking witnesses to a crash which claimed the lives of two young women on their way to their schools Debs ball on Monday evening. 

It is understood all five were occupants of the same car, with some travelling to a Debs event for students of Largy College.

A spokesperson said An Garda Síochána continue to investigate all the circumstances of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred at approximately 6.45pm yesterday evening, Monday 31st July 2023, on the N54 in Legnakelly (Clones to Smithborough Road), Co. Monaghan

The vehicle has since been removed from the scene.

The N54 between Clones and Smithborough remains closed this evening and local diversions are in place.

Post-mortems have been completed on the bodies of the two deceased persons, the results of which are not being released for operational purposes.

The male, aged 60 years, remains in a critical condition in Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

The 18-year-old female remains in Cavan General Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

The 18-year-old male continues to receive treatment in Cavan General Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Gardaí in Monaghan continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

"Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N54 between Clones and Smithborough yesterday evening, Monday 31st July 2023, between 6.15pm and 7.00pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí," the spokesperson said.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station