Five masked teenagers killed in M9 crash suspected of local crime spree

A high-speed crash on the M9 motorway in Co Kildare claimed the lives of five masked teenagers early Sunday morning. The vehicle, a suspected stolen BMW, was so severely damaged that the remains of a fifth victim were only discovered after the wreckage was moved.

The male teenagers, some of whom were related, were wearing balaclavas or masks at the time of the crash, which occurred around 3 a.m. Authorities believe the group is linked to a known criminal element in the Carlow-Kildare region. Gardaí had received reports of males, believed to be teenagers, attempting to break into homes and cars in Athy, Co. Kildare, in the hours preceding the fatal incident.

The black BMW was reportedly driven at high speed in the wrong direction on the M9 for two separate periods. Gardaí had attempted to stop the vehicle earlier in Athy, but the driver fled. After driving against oncoming traffic, the BMW made a U-turn and exited the motorway, only to re-enter it on the northbound carriageway heading south.

“

appalling

Gardaí had set up a plan to intercept the vehicle near Junction 3, but the BMW continued, colliding head-on with a Hyundai carrying three sisters and a young boy. The victims in the Hyundai were en route to Dublin Airport for a family wedding. The driver and front-seat passenger, two women in their 30s, were in critical condition, while the other woman and her seven-year-old son were seriously injured.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the "appalling" and dangerous practice of driving the wrong way on motorways, suggesting it is sometimes done for social media "likes." He emphasized the "horrific incident" and the potentially devastating impact on innocent people. His thoughts were with the injured and the first responders.

“

What makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that, in some cases, it is being done for social media likes regardless of the potentially devastating impact it might have on innocent people and themselves.