Tusla refers deaths of three teenagers in M9 crash to independent review panel

The deaths of three teenagers involved in a fatal crash on the M9 motorway have been referred by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to the National Review Panel (NRP) for an independent investigation. The agency confirmed that two of the five young people who died were known to Tusla, and one was in a residential placement managed by the agency.

The tragic incident occurred early Sunday morning when a BMW traveling on the northbound carriageway collided head-on with a Hyundai. The BMW was reportedly traveling in the wrong direction. Five teenagers died in the collision. The occupants of the Hyundai, three women and a seven-year-old boy, were en route to Dublin Airport and remain in serious condition in hospital.

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We can confirm that one of the young people involved in the serious incident on the M9 on Sunday morning was in the care of Tusla and two of the young people were known to the agency.

Among the deceased teenagers were Jeremy O’Brien (18) and his cousin Alex McCarthy (17) from Carlow; Joey Carthy (15) from Athy, Co Kildare; Kamil Pustkowski (17) from Limerick; and Jack Kennedy (17) from Athy, Co Kildare. Kennedy, who was described as "very vulnerable" by a source familiar with his care history, had been in various care placements in recent years.

Tusla stated that all child deaths or serious incidents involving children in its care or known to the agency must be referred to the NRP. The agency emphasized that an objective review of Tusla's engagement with the families and other state services is critical. Tusla will provide all necessary information to the NRP as part of standard reporting processes. The NRP, though independent, does not publish its own reports; these are released by Tusla.

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When a death of a child known to Tusla, or in State care occurs, it is critical that there is an objective review of Tusla’s engagement with the family, and those of other State services where relevant. This is completed by the National Review Panel (NRP).