One dead and four hurt after crash involving off-duty garda

A woman has died and four people, including two children, have been hospitalised after a car crash in Co Westmeath involving an off-duty garda in the early hours of Saturday.

The two car collision occurred on the eastbound carriageway of the M4 Dublin to Sligo road near Kinnegad at about 1.30am.

The woman who died has been named as Jacqueline Wolohan (51), from Coolock in Dublin 17.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is investigating the incident. The watchdog independently investigates incidents involving gardaí that may have resulted in death or serious harm being done to a person.

Diversions are in place on the M4 eastbound between the Kinnegad and Enfield exits while a forensic examination of the scene takes place. The stretch is is likely to remain closed until Saturday afternoon, GSOC said.

The deceased, who was in her early 50s, was the driver of one of the cars. Her female passenger was critically injured and is in hospital.

The two children, aged between 10 and 12, and the driver of the second car, the garda, were also taken to hospital after the incident. Their injuries are not serious.

The commission is appealing to anyone who witnessed a blue 2005 registered Opel Astra or a silver 2004 Nissan Micra travelling on the eastbound side of the M4 at about 1.30am to contact them on 1890 600 800.