Second teenager dies after e-scooter crash with bus in Waterford ...
A second teenager has died in hospital after the crash between an e-scooter and a bus in which another youth was killed in Waterford city overnight.
In an update this afternoon, gardaí said the second teenager, who had also been travelling on the device, had died from his injuries.
The other male on the e-scooter, also aged in his teens, had been pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the bus was not injured and there were no passengers on the bus when the incident happened, at around 2.10am near the South Eastern Technological University (SETU).
In an update on Thursday afternoon, the gardaí said: “Gardaí attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision involving a bus and an e-scooter that occurred shortly before 2:10am on Thursday, 27th June 2024 on the R680 Cork Road in Waterford city.
“One person travelling on the e-scooter, a male youth in his teens, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“A second male youth in his teens, who was also travelling on the e-scooter was taken to Waterford University Hospital with serious injuries. He passed away from his injuries earlier this afternoon, 27th June 2024.”
A technical examination by Forensic Collision Investigators has been completed and the road has re-opened, gardaí said. A Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been assigned to provide support to the families of the two dead boys.
Their deaths bring to 92 the number of people who have died on the roads so far this year.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 27th
Independent Waterford TD Matt Shanahan wrote on social media: “My thoughts and prayers for those young lives cut short earlier today. Words seem useless at this time - hopefully the families and friends involved know that all of Waterford wants to wrap them in a blanket of love, consolation and community support! RIP”
Newly elected Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Joe Kelly, earlier described the incident as “an absolute tragedy”.
“I would express my deepest sympathy to them, the parents and extended family of the youngster who has been tragically killed,” he said.
“It’s an absolute tragedy for the family. Whatever about the rules and regulations, there is a huge human element in this, and we can’t forget that. There is a family now, and a wider circle of friends, grieving now."
Under recently enacted laws, e-scooters may be used on Irish roads as long as they cannot travel at more than 20kmh, the rider is at least 16, and it is carrying no passengers or cargo.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Cork Road in Waterford city between 1.45am and 2.15am are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
