The school of the two students who died in the horror single-vehicle crash in Co Galway early on Bank Holiday Monday morning is to open this week to offer support to their friends and classmates.
Two other pupils of Presentation College Headford are seriously injured at University College Hospital following the crash which happened around 5.45 am a short distance outside Headford in north Co Galway.
Relatives and friends have been comforting the families of the two 14-year-olds who died in the crash and also the families of the two who were injured.
READ MORE: Two teenagers dead after horror crash in Galway as gardaí close 'number of roads'
The names of the two teenagers who died, while well-known locally, have not been released as difficulties were encountered trying to contact a close relative of one of the deceased.
One of the teenagers who died is from Annaghdown and the other is from Headford town. The two injured teenagers, a 13-year old boy and a 14-year old girl, are from Headford.
One of the teenagers who died is an only child and the other is the youngest in a family of three.
The deaths of the two teenagers, both second year students at Presentation College Headford, has stunned the area.
The 13-year old boy is a first year student in the school and the injured 14-year old girl is in second year.
The school, which is closed for Easter holidays, issued a letter to students and parents outlining the support network available in the coming days to help deal with the tragic accident.
"The school has experienced the sudden and tragic deaths of two treasured members of our PCH community. We are deeply saddened by these deaths. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these students.
"The school will be open tomorrow, April 11th from 11.00am to 2.00 pm to offer support to the classmates, friends and any students who need support. The study hall will be available.
“We will have staff members and psychologists from NEPS (National Educational Psychological Service) available for anyone who needs support at this terribly tragic and confusing time.
“It is possible that your child may have some feelings and questions s/he may like to discuss with you. It is important to give factual information that is age appropriate.
"Over the course of the coming days, please keep a close eye on your child and allow him/her to express their feelings without criticism. We anticipate that the next few days will be very difficult for everyone and we will be available as a supportive community, as needed."
The chairperson of the school’s board of management, Cllr. Mary Hoade, said the area was stunned by what has happened.
“We are deeply shocked and deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and the injured and also with their friends and classmates. It is unbelievable what has happened.
“Everyone is numb and we just need to put as many support networks in place,’ she said.
The accident happened around 5.45am on a narrow stretch of road at Pollacullaire off the N84 Headford to Ballinrobe road.
No other vehicle was involved and it is believed their car may have collided with a tree.
There had been heavy rain throughout Sunday and overnight in the area.
Emergency services rushed to the scene. One boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining three occupants were taken to University Hospital Galway about 30 kilometres away where a 14-year old girl was pronounced dead.
It is the second tragedy in two months in Galway in which teenagers have died in a car accident.
In February John Keenan Sammon (16) and Christy Stokes (19) from Ballinfoyle in the city, and their friend 17-year old Wojcieck Panek from Limerick, died when the car they were in entered the water on the Corrib at Menlo Pier.
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