A ONE-year-old infant boy died today after “a one second” tragic road accident in Co Clare – with the child’s death plunging a family into sadness.
Gardai were this evening examining a car which had been at the scene of the accident in Ennis.
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Local Parish Priest Fr Tom Ryan said the child’s death has plunged a family into sadness due to “a one second” tragic accident.
He spoke following a visit to the Ballaghboy halting site at Quin Road in the town after the tragedy.
Gardai remain at the scene tonight as part of the investigation into the circumstances of the fatal road traffic accident.
A car was being examined by forensic collision investigators.
The fatal accident occurred on the Quin Road shortly before 12:30pm today.
The lad was transferred from the scene to University Hospital Limerick but was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries.
Fr Ryan said he had christened the deceased along with his siblings and also married the children’s parents.
He said that the boy was due to celebrate his 2nd birthday in October, adding: “This is just a pure tragedy to beset a family – a tragedy of the worst kind.”
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He said: “I visited the family this evening and we gathered for a little prayer service on the grounds of the site. Praying for each one of them that they would have the strength they need at this time to be able to cope with the devastating news bestowed on them today on the death of this little child in the tragic accident.”
Fr Ryan said: “The sympathy and the prayers of the community are with them.
“It is not just a family but families as they are all extended families who are plunged into sadness and tragedy by one second.
‘They need support’
“They need support and as a parish priest I was offering them that support and I would have known the family for many years.
“I was privileged to marry the parents a number of years ago. They are just devastated and trying to come to terms with this news.”
Fr Ryan said that the boy has two sisters and their mother is expecting another child next month.
Gardai confirmed that a family liaison officer has been appointed to support the family at this time.
