A teenager died in a road accident, just one year after his brother was also killed in a car crash.
Martin McDonnell, 19, was killed after a horrific accident involving a bus, shortly after 6pm yesterday evening, in Longford, Ireland.
Tragically, the incident took place around one year after Martin’s older brother Ciaran died in a car crash.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene yesterday but were unable to help save the teenager, who was pronounced dead a short time later.
Gardai cordoned off the scene pending an investigation.
Martin’s brother Ciaran died in a New Year’s Day crash last year after the car he was driving was discovered partially submerged in water off a main road.
The younger McDonnell even spoke at his brother’s funeral at the time, as he fought back tears he said he and his family were struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
The Irish Mirror reported he told mourners: “I don’t even know where to start. Our hearts are broken into pieces. You were one of a kind and you were my best friend."
He added: “I promise you I will do you proud.
“You are my hero and I will always love you. You were simply the best. You will be missed and you will always be in our hearts.”
Following yesterday’s crash, tributes to Martin flooded in online in the aftermath.
His sister wrote: “My brother & bestfriend … You have me completely broken … We we’re so close. You always only wanted good for me. I genuinely don’t know what I’m gonna do without you Martin … you and our Ciaran is back together now”.
His partner Shirley Dempsey said that they had planned to get married later in the month in secret, in her own emotional post.
She called Martin her “whole life” and said she would not be able to “come to terms” with what happened.
She added: “We were going to the north in 3 weeks to get married we were keeping it a secret until the day. I just feel so numb inside 2 and Half year together and I will always love you till day the day I’m back with you my Martin”.
Another family member shared a photo of Martin at a funfair, with the caption: “My poor brother Martin, he didn't deserve this”.
Another tribute simply read: “Really is a cruel world rest in peace Martin McDonnell who just passed away god help ur family and poor Shirley at this sad time ur with ur brother now rest in peace to ye both”.
Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan expressed his shock upon learning of the tragedy. "It's a tragedy at any time of the year, but especially so with it being Easter week," he said.
"On behalf of the Longford community I would like to take this opportunity to extend deepest sympathies to the family of the young man."
A Gardai spokesperson said: "Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal road traffic incident that occurred this evening, Thursday, 6th April 2023 on the Convent Road in Longford.
"The collision occurred at around 6.15pm, involving a bus and pedestrian. The pedestrian, a man in his late teens, suffered fatal injuries.
"The man’s body has since been taken to the mortuary at Mullingar Regional Hospital where a post-mortem will take place in due course.
"The scene remains preserved this evening with local diversions in place.
"A technical examination will take place in the morning by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators."
The Gardaí is appealing to anyone with information to come forward to them.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have video footage (including dash-cam) is asked to contact Gardaí.
Gardaí can be contacted at Longford Garda Station on 043 335 0570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
