Irish watchdog finds Garda actions appropriate after M9 wrong‑way crash

Independent watchdog deems Garda response appropriate after fatal M9 wrong‑way crash, detailing investigatory findings and procedural adherence.

Irish watchdog finds Garda actions appropriate after M9 wrong‑way crash
Liberal News
Publish: 19.09.2026
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The police watchdog Fiosrú concluded that Gardaí acted in line with procedures during a pursuit on 16 August that preceded a wrong‑way collision on the M9 in which five teenage boys died and four family members were seriously injured, the ombudsman announced.

Fiosrú’s investigation established that Gardaí had followed a BMW on the N78 in Athy for a short period after permission was granted by the Garda Control Room. When the BMW entered the M9 dual carriageway against the direction of traffic, the pursuit was terminated and control room personnel confirmed it should not continue.

Other Garda units attempted to deploy a stopping device at a suitable location, but the BMW made several U‑turns before colliding head‑on with an oncoming vehicle. Five boys in the BMW, including Joe Carthy, Alex McCarthy and Jeremy O’Brien, were killed and four family members in the other car sustained serious injuries.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Fiosrú carried out an independent inquiry after Gardaí made a mandatory referral on 16 August 2026. The probe examined Garda contact with the vehicle, the timing and scope of that contact, and whether actions complied with law and Garda policies as set by the Garda Commissioner.

The ombudsman, Emily Logan, said investigations of incidents involving deaths after contact with Gardaí are mandatory and that Fiosrú aimed to understand the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • Gardaí pursued the BMW after permission from the Garda Control Room on 16 August 2026.
  • Pursuit was terminated when the BMW entered the M9 against traffic and control room confirmed it should not continue.
  • The BMW carried out several U‑turns before a head‑on collision that killed five teenagers and seriously injured four family members.
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