Five Teenagers Killed in Wrong-Way M9 Collision
Published on 08/17/2026 at 07:37 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Post-mortem examinations are due to take place today at Naas General Hospital following a head-on collision that killed five teenagers on the M9 motorway. The crash happened at approximately 3:00 a.m. on August 16, 2026, near Moone, County Kildare, and has prompted fresh concerns about dangerous driving on Irish roads.
The collision occurred between Junction 3 and Junction 4 on the northbound carriageway, when a suspected stolen BMW travelling the wrong way struck a Hyundai carrying four occupants. All five male teenagers in the BMW were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities noted that the occupants of the vehicle were masked at the time of the crash.
Critical Injuries for Second Vehicle's Passengers
The four people in the Hyundai were taken to hospital with significant injuries. Two women in their 30s remain in critical condition, while a woman in her 20s and a seven-year-old boy are described as being in a serious condition. Reports indicate the occupants of the Hyundai are three sisters and a young child.
Investigation Underway
Fiosrú, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. While Gardaí had earlier requested the BMW to stop, investigators confirmed that no active police pursuit was underway at the exact time of the collision.
The deceased teenagers are suspected of involvement in a series of burglaries in the Athy area shortly before the incident. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the crash as horrific and highlighted the significant challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with reckless drivers in stolen vehicles.
The Commissioner specifically raised concerns about a trend where drivers travel the wrong way on motorways to gain attention on social media. Gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward, requesting dashcam footage from any motorists who were on the M9 near Moone or Castledermot during the early hours of August 16.
The motorway was closed for an extended period following the crash to allow forensic collision investigators to examine the scene. Post-mortem examinations will provide further details as the formal identification process continues at Naas General Hospital.
