13-year-old girl dies in motor racing collision in Cork

A teenage girl has died following an accident at a motor racing event which was hosted by the Cork Autograss Racing Club near the village of Enniskeane in West Cork this afternoon.

The girl, who is understood to be 13, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a postmortem examination.

The youngster was participating in a heat when her vehicle crashed. It is understood she is from the local area.

The office of the Coroner in Cork has been contacted in relation to the tragedy. A garda investigation is underway. An inquest will be held in due course.

Racing got underway at 11am this morning and was suspended when the accident happened at 3pm. It was to involve male, female and junior events.

Cork Autograss was formed in 1998 from the West Cork Hotrod club. The club races from Castletown Kennnigh Track.

Autograss Racing is motor racing on loose surface track with anything from near road spec 1000cc hatchbacks to full space framed saloons with engines varying from large v8’s to twin bike powered and even the odd turbo diesel. The sport caters from the age of twelve upwards.

WITNESS APPEAL

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident.

A spokesperson said: "Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving a vehicle at a sporting event.

"A female teenager (13) who was driving the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Her body has been removed to Cork University Hospital and a post-mortem will take place in due course.

"The scene is being preserved for technical examination.

"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

"Anyone who may have camera footage and were attending the event between 3pm and 4pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."