Irish police 'acted appropriately' when pursuing car in fatal crash, watchdog finds
Irish police were found to have acted appropriately during a pursuit that led to a fatal head-on collision on the M9 motorway, killing five teenagers and seriously injuring four family members. The police watchdog, Fiosrú, concluded that Gardaí followed relevant policies and procedures, terminating the pursuit before the car made U-turns and crashed.
Why it matters
This report provides an official finding on a tragic incident involving police pursuit, addressing public concern about police conduct and accountability in such high-stakes situations. It reinforces the importance of police policy adherence and independent oversight.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, The collision occurred on the M9 Northbound at Junction 3 on 16 August
Irish police "acted appropriately" during its pursuit of a car which crashed on the wrong side of the road in the Republic of Ireland last month, the police watchdog has found.
Five teenage boys died in the head-on collision on the M9 and four family members were seriously injured in the crash on 16 August.
The police ombudsman Fiosrú said Gardaí (Irish police) had been following the car on the N78 in Athy for a short period before it joined the M9 motorway against the direction of traffic.
Police Ombudsman Emily Logan said the force acted "in line with relevant policies and procedures as determined by the Garda Commissioner".
The watchdog began its investigation into the incident after a mandatory referral from gardaí on 16 August 2026.
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