Hunt for driver who left elderly Laois couple seriously injured

A GARDA hunt is continuing for a hit-and-run driver, who fled the scene of a collision that left an elderly Laois couple with severe injuries.

A local man, aged in his 80s, remained in critical condition in hospital this afternoon, following the horrific two-car crash. His wife, aged in her late 70s, also suffered serious injuries but is said to be in stable condition.

The crash near the couple’s home sent shock waves throughout the Ballinakill area on Friday night, as emergency services rushed to the scene on the L7797 local road at Moat, Ballinakill at about 10.15pm.

The driver of one car had fled by the time gardaí arrived and a search in the vicinity was unsuccessful. A national alert was issued and gardaí are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses, as they try to locate the hit-and-run driver.

The seriously injured husband and wife were rushed to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT), where they are continuing to receive medical treatment.

The farming couple and their family are very highly regarded in the area and the incident has caused deep concern and upset for their extended family, neighbours and friends.

Local councillor John Joe Fennelly said this afternoon that his thoughts and those of everyone in the community are with the family, as they hope for the couple’s recovery.

Cllr Fennelly said: “They are a lovely family, very quiet people and the area is very much in shock that this could happen. My thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.” 

The narrow rural road where the crash occurred remained closed on Saturday morning and traffic diversions were in place, while Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out an examination at the scene.

While some reports indicate that the hit-and-run driver was in a stolen car, this has not been officially confirmed by gardaí.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision, or who has any information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Road users who were travelling in the vicinity of Moat, Ballinakill between 10pm and 11pm on Friday 31 July and who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station on 057 8730580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

In an update today, gardaí said: ‘The driver of the second car left the scene and gardaí are seeking to identify this person. Both injured parties are continuing to receive hospital treatment.

‘Investigating Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Investigations remain ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.’