'Sense of numbness' after two men killed and two injured in Limerick crash

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Updated: 1.50pm

Two men have died and two others have been injured after a crash in Co Limerick.

Gardaí said the vehicle they were in crashed into a wall on the N69 near Ballyengland at approximately 7.25pm on Tuesday.

Two passengers, a man in his 20s and a man in his late teens, were fatally injured.

The driver and another passenger, both men aged in their late teens, are receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The bodies of the deceased have been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick where post-mortem examinations will take place.

The road remained closed on Wednesday morning with local diversions in place.

A technical examination will be carried out by Garda forensic collision investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

'Sense of numbness'

Following news of the fatal crash, the principal of Salesian Agricultural College, Derek O’Donoghue, said there is a “massive shock” among the entire college community.

The four men involved in the crash were all students in the same course and had just returned to campus after eight months of placement, he told RTÉ radio's News at One.

Mr O’Donoghue added there was a “sense of numbness” in the college on Wednesday.

Supports have been put in place for students on campus, which would continue for the days and weeks ahead, he said, noting that the students on the agriculture course were a close-knit community.

“They were on the final stretch of their two-year course, with great career prospects and a great life ahead of them.

“Unfortunately for two, cut very short last night,” Mr O’Donoghue added.