Teenager (16) killed in Clare tractor accident is named

Sean Ryan

A teenager who was killed in a tractor accident in Co Clare on Saturday has been named locally as Thomas (TJ) Chambers.

Mr Chambers was from Ballyea in Co Clare, and he was the sole occupant of the tractor that crashed just after 2pm on the R458 at Bunnahow. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The local coroner was notified, and his body was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick, where a post-mortem examination was arranged.

It is believed Mr Chambers played underage GAA with Ballyea in County Clare. He was known for his involvement in underage U-15 and U-16 teams and featured in championship finals. The GAA club were planning to hold a fundraising tractor run on Saturday evening but this was cancelled due to the accident.

In a post on social media, a family friend said: "His uncles and late grandfather were always close to our family. It truly is a heartbreaking situation and each and everyone of his family are in my thoughts. God please give strength to his mum, dad, siblings and extended family. Rest in peace."

Following the collision, the road remained closed all day Saturday and part of Sunday to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions were in place.

Mr Chambers' death is the 187th road death on Irish roads this year, which is 20 more than the same period last year. Earlier this month, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) appealed for safety for farmers in using farm machinery. Since 2013, there have been 14 fatalities in Ireland using agricultural machinery.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R458 between Gort and Crusheen around the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.