Two teenage victims of a horror car in which a car hit a roadside tree have been pictured for the first time as a candlelit vigil is held in their memory.
Lukas Joyce Kirsty Bohan, both 14, were killed in the collision in Headford, Galway, on Easter Monday.
A picture of the candlelit vigil has been shared with photographs of the teens as their families and communities mourn the devastating tragedy.
Both were in the single-vehicle crash along with two other teenagers at around 5.45am.
Emergency services raced to the crash on the L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit.
Lukas was tragically pronounced dead at the scene while the other three occupants of the car were taken to University Hospital Galway, where Kirsty was later pronounced dead.
The two other occupants are being treated for their injuries, reports GalwayBeo.ie.
One of the first people on the scene who discovered the tragedy recalled the heartbreak of not being able to wake Lukas and Kirsty in an incident that has devastated the small village.
The woman raised the alarm immediately after the crash, shortly before 6am, when emergency services rushed to the scene on the L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit.
Lukas and Kirsty both attended Presentation College Headford who have said they are 'deeply saddened' by the news and paid tribute to the victims in a letter posted on social media.
The letter addressed to parents read: "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."
They continued: "We welcome parents who wish to accompany their children to the school also and we ask that parents are aware of their children’s whereabouts at all times over the coming days.
"If they are coming to the school, please ensure they are dropped and collected by parents or a nominated adult. This is strongly advised by the National Educational Psychology Service (NEPS), who will be supporting us all over the coming weeks."
Meanwhile Headford councillor Andrew Reddington paid tribute in a statement on Monday which read: "We are all thinking of the two families who have lost their beloved children. A dark cloud has descended on the entire community.
"Everyone is thinking of the families of the young people who died this morning and we are praying for those who are in the hospital. We will come together as a community to support the families, but we ask that everyone respect the families who are grieving the loss of their children."
A statement from An Garda Siochana on Monday read: "Gardaí are currently at the scene of a fatal single vehicle road traffic collision that occurred at approximately 5:45am on Monday 10th April 2023 on the L6127 at Glennagarraun in the Ballyfruit area of Headford, County Galway.
"The only vehicle involved in this collision had four occupants on-board, two boys and two girls, all of whom were young teenagers.
"One boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining three occupants were taken to University Hospital Galway where a girl has since been pronounced dead.
"The other occupants remain in University Hospital Galway for treatment on their injuries.
"The L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit in Headford is currently closed. The services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested and a technical examination of the scene is currently underway. Local diversions are in place.
"Gardaí in Galway continue to investigate this collision. Gardaí are engaging with the families of all involved and Garda Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) will formally be appointed.
"Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
"Any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling on the L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit in Headford between 5:30am and 6am are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí."
