Justice Minister pledges support after 'terrifying' car theft and crash in Kilkenny

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has stated that she will support gardaí in their investigation of a car theft in Kilkenny that led to a two-car collision, killing one person.

"It's a very devastating incident to happen, full stop," McEntee said in a statement.

"No doubt, very terrifying for the people involved, and in particular the woman involved. We will give the gardaí any support or help in their investigation."

A stretch of the N77 remained closed earlier this morning as gardaí continue to investigate a fatal two-car crash that occurred yesterday involving a car that was stolen with a teenage occupant still inside.

A man died in the road traffic collision in Kilkenny yesterday evening, and the teenage girl was airlifted to hospital. 

The driver of one of the vehicles, a man in his 30s, was removed from the scene and later pronounced deceased at St Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny.

A female teenager who was in this vehicle was taken by air ambulance to Waterford University Hospital with serious injuries.

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The three occupants (two males in their 40s and 60s and a woman in her 40s) of the second vehicle were taken to St Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny for medical treatment. Their injuries are non-life threatening.

As part of this fatal road traffic collision investigation, Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the theft of a vehicle at Green Street, Kilkenny at approximately 3.30pm on yesterday's date.

A female teenager was an occupant of the vehicle when it was stolen. This vehicle was subsequently involved in the fatal road traffic collision.

The N77 between Hennebry's Cross and Dinan Bridge remained closed this morning as Forensic Collision Investigators document the scene.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to either of these incidents to come forward to assist them with their ongoing investigations.

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Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N77 between Kilkenny town and Ballyragget between 3.15pm and 4pm yesterday are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Green Street area of Kilkenny between 3pm and 3:30pm to make this footage available to them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kilkenny Garda Station on 056-7775000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.