GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING the collision in Donegal that killed eight people last Sunday night have yet to interview the driver of the car in which seven of the victims were travelling because he is not yet well enough.
Shaun Kelly (22), Ballymagan, Buncrana, was driving a black Passat with seven of his friends as passengers when the crash occurred at about 10.40pm.
He remains in Letterkenny hospital where his condition was described as stable yesterday. However, it is understood he remains unconscious and is unaware of his friends’ deaths.
Garda sources said the investigating team may have to wait some time before Mr Kelly is well enough to be interviewed. He was the designated driver on the night of the collision and gardaí do not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Their investigation covers a number of other strands including road conditions at the time, whether speed was a factor and effect of the number of people in the Passat, which has seatbelts for the driver and four passengers.
Renewing their appeal yesterday for witnesses, gardaí said they had already interviewed “a number of key witnesses” but said they believe the fact that the funerals were taking place meant some people had yet to come forward. Family members of the victims will be interviewed soon.
The Health Service Executive’s 24-hour telephone information service for members of the community affected by the tragedy can be contacted at 087 279 8412.