A teenage boy has died following a road traffic collision in Co Clare this afternoon.
Emergency services responded to the incident on the R458 Crusheen to Gort road on the Clare/Galway border shortly before 2.00pm.
The single vehicle collision occurred on what was the old N18 at Bunnahow, about 7 kilometres from Crusheen close to the turn off for Tubber village.
National Ambulance Service paramedics and Gardaí responded to the incident along with units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Ennis station and crews from Galway Fire and Rescue Service based at Gort.
The 16-year-old driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The road has been closed to traffic between Bunnahow and Carheny and diversions have been put in place.
An examination of the scene by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators will commence early tomorrow and is expected to take a number of hours.
Gardaí say the road is likely to remain closed until Sunday afternoon and have advised motorists to check the An Garda Síochána (Clare) Facebook page for updates.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the tragedy.
A spokesperson confirmed: “Shortly before 2pm, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a single-vehicle collision involving a tractor on the R458 at Bunnahow, County Clare (north of Crusheen). The sole occupant of the tractor, a male in his teens (16), was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later.
The local Coroner has been notified and the deceased has since been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick where a a post-mortem examination will be arranged.”
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R458 between Gort and Crusheen around the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
