A mum and two daughters killed in a horror motorway crash have been named.
Una Bowden and her two young children, Ciara and Saoirse, have been named locally after they were pronounced dead on Monday afternoon. Emergency services were called after the vehicle the trio were in crashed head on with an articulated fuel lorry on the N17 at Castlegar, in Mayo, Ireland.
As reported by the Irish Mirror, Mrs Bowden, from Moycullen in Galway, may have been heading towards her home of Donegal for the Easter holidays at the time of the crash. Her husband David was abroad at the time of the crash but has since been informed.
The couple ran a safari business together offering tours of national parks in Zambia. Mr Bowden also works as a project manager with the United Nations.
Mercy crews were called to the scene just before 2pm after Mrs Bowden's car crashed head on with the lorry. The lorry driver suffered injuries which were not life-threatening.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Neighbours paid tribute to the "wonderful family" with "the most beautiful children" who had lived in Moycullen for a number of years, and had recently moved into a new home just days earlier. Eldest daughter Ciara had been reportedly due to take part in an under-14s basketball tournament on Easter Monday which has since been cancelled out of respect.
Her sister, Saoirse, meanwhile was described as a talented Irish dancer. Father Peter Gannon, a local priest, said the community had been devastated by the news.
Top news stories today
“It’s a shock for the community. Everyone is just devastated again to hear of more fatalities. In the area we’re not alien to fatalities like that unfortunately,” he said. “It’s nothing great to claim for any community. It’s horrendous. Our thoughts on this Holy week are with the family who now have to carry a horrendous cross.”
The horrific collision on N17 was the second in just over two weeks on the same kilometre stretch of road, after a woman and her elderly mother were involved in a three-vehicle crash on March 11. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the accident or those who may have dash-cam footage to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
