A 19-YEAR-OLD Co Limerick woman died in hospital yesterday following a car crash just hours before she was due to collect her Leaving Cert results.
Erin Whelytean, Bruff, Co Limerick suffered serious head injuries when the car she was driving went out of control at 3.30am on Wednesday. She was the sole occupant of the car that crashed on the main road at Camass, Bruff. No other vehicles were involved.
As students arrived at Árd Scoil Mhuire secondary school in Bruff to collect their Leaving Cert results on Wednesday, they were told that their friend was on a life support machine at the Midwestern Regional Hospital in Limerick. The l9-year-old, who wanted to study to become a social worker, died at the hospital yesterday surrounded by her parents Gerard and Marian, and her brothers Colm and Graham.
Ms Whelan was one of three people who died yesterday following road crashes in Co Limerick. A married couple were killed when their car collided with a truck at midday yesterday at Carraturk, Ballylanders.
The 59-year-old woman driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics fought to save the life of her 60-year-old husband but he died a short time later. The driver of the truck was not injured.
Gardaí said they would not release the names of the couple, who were living in Co Limerick, until their family had been informed. It is understood the couple may have originally come from England.
Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council John Gallahue said the three deaths were "devastating" for all involved. "It must be a harrowing experience for the families and our hearts must go out to them. It's just devastating," said Cllr Gallahue.