Officers told not to pursue car on wrong side of motorway, says Ireland's police body
Summary
Irish police officers were told to stop chasing a car going the wrong way on a motorway before it crashed in County Kildare, killing five teenagers. Several people were seriously injured, and police said officers acted according to safety rules to avoid dangerous pursuit.Key Facts
- Five teenagers died in a head-on crash on the M9 motorway in County Kildare around 3 a.m. on Sunday.
- Two women are critically injured, another woman and a 7-year-old boy are seriously injured.
- Police attempted to stop the car several times, including using stinger devices, before being told to disengage.
- Officers do not have pursuit training and could face personal consequences if they ignore orders to stop.
- The Garda Representative Association supports tougher laws and penalties for dangerous driving.
- The crash scene was described as very traumatic for responding officers, who may need long-term counselling.
- Irish road deaths have increased, with 123 deaths so far in 2026, 18 more than last year.
- Road safety advocates call for stronger punishment, education, and early intervention for dangerous drivers.
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