Gardaí interview sole survivor of crash that claimed eight lives

THE SOLE survivor of a crash in Donegal that claimed the lives of eight men, the highest road fatality ever recorded on Irish…

THE SOLE survivor of a crash in Donegal that claimed the lives of eight men, the highest road fatality ever recorded on Irish roads, has been interviewed by gardaí.

Shaun Kelly, of Ballymagan, Buncrana, was the driver of a black Volkswagen Passat that was involved in a crash on the Inishowen Peninsula in July in which seven passengers, aged between 19 and 23 years of age were killed.

An eighth man, 66-year-old Hugh Friel of Dunaff, Clonmany, the driver of the second car, also died as a result of the crash which happened on the Buncrana to Clonmany road.

Supt Kevin English confirmed that “gardaí have conducted an interview with the survivor”, but said he could not divulge further information. He said the investigation into the crash was progressing satisfactorily and that gardaí had received excellent co-operation from the public.

READ MORE

He said gardaí were still awaiting results of forensic and technical investigation results.

Mr Kelly was released from hospital earlier this month.

He and seven friends were all travelling in one vehicle that was involved first in collision with a white Renault Mégane before colliding with a second car, driven by Mr Friel, at about 10.40pm on July 11th.

The other seven victims were Mark McLaughlin (21), Ballinahone, Fahan; Paul Doherty (19), Ardagh, Ballyliffin; Ciarán Sweeney (19), Ballyliffin; PJ McLaughlin (21), Rockstown in Burnfoot; James McEleney (23), Minaduff, Clonmany; Eamonn McDaid (22), Cruckaheeny, Buncrana; and Damien McLaughlin (21), Umricam, Buncrana.