'An unspeakable tragedy'... Navan in shock at death of 16-year-old girl, killed in hit-and-run incident

A cloud of sadness hangs over Navan as news circulates of the death of a teenage girl who was fatally injured after being struck by a car on the outskirts of the town last night.

The girl (16), who is understood to have been out walking her dog died being struck by car that failed to remain at the scene on the Navan--Slane Road at the junction with the Blackcastle Demense estate. A man aged in his 20s has since been arrested.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the Slane Road (N51), Navan at approximately 8:20pm when Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident involving a car and a pedestrian. The car involved failed to remain at the scene.

The pedestrian, a 16-year-old female, was treated at the scene before being transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where she was later pronounced deceased.

A male in his 20s has since been arrested in connection with the investigation and a car has been seized for technical and forensic examination. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.

The Coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged. The scene remains preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local traffic diversions are in place.

Navan Cllr Emer Tóibín described the death of the teenager as "an unspeakable tragedy."

"Our hearts go out today to the family of the young girl who tragically lost her life in a road accident yesterday evening while out for a walk. It is an unspeakable tragedy.

"We in Aontú extend our deepest sympathies at this incredibly sad time. No words can truly capture the depth of sorrow and loss being endured. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and the wider community as they face this heartbreaking tragedy. May she rest in peace."

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons and Mayor of Navan said he was "deeply shocked" to hear the news of the girl's tragic death and extended his condolences and sympathies to the families of all involved.

“It is just so, so sad and my heart goes out to the families and friends of the young girl,” said Cllr Fitzsimons who urged anyone with information or dashcam footage ot contact Gardai.

Cllr Alan Lawes said the whole community is devastated at the news.

"I'd like to express my sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of this young girl. It just should not happen, this was a young girl just out walking her dog just after 8pm in the evening, it's shocking and we are all just thinking of her family now at this terrible time."

Fine Gael Cllr Yemi Adenuga said the community was shaken by the "heartbreaking news."

"A young girl, a daughter, a sister, a friend, has lost her life on the Slane Road, Navan. I want to extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. I cannot begin to comprehend their grief, and I know there are no words that can ease the pain they must be going through now. But I hope they know that the entire community stands with them, quietly, respectfully, and with compassion.

"As a parent and as a public representative, my heart and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.

"Navan is a close community. We watch our children grow up together. We pass one another in school gates, on playing fields, in supermarkets, on evening walks. As a community, we must hold this family in our thoughts and prayers at this time, and also respect their privacy as they navigate this difficult period.

"I also want to acknowledge the emergency services and Gardaí who responded last night and who are now carrying out a full investigation. I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist them.

"May the young girl rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the love that surrounds them."

Sinn Fein Cllr Eddie Fennessy said: "There are no words to console their pain and suffering. My sincere condolences of the goor girl's parents and siblings. Beannacht Dé lena hAnam dílis."

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between 8pm and 8.45pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Navan Garda Station on 046 9036100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The death of the young girl in Navan brings to seven people killed in road crashes on the island of Ireland yesterday.

Three people were killed in a collision near Armagh city last night.

The three-vehicle crash occurred on the Moy Road shortly before 10.30pm.

Two men, aged 49 and 31, and a 23-year-old woman were pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman in her 80s died following a road crash at Rooaun, near Eyrecourt in Co Galway at around 8.15pm yesterday.

The woman, who was travelling alone, was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was removed to Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Earlier, in Co Waterford, a man and a woman, both aged in their 40s, died following a collision between a car and a van, which occurred on the Tramore Road in the townland of Pickardstown, about 3km outside of Waterford city.