Bodies of five teenagers removed from scene of M8 collision

The bodies of five teenage males, all occupants of one vehicle involved in a catastrophic two-car collision, have now been removed from the scene on the M9 at Moone Co Kildare and taken to Naas General Hospital where post mortems will take place.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate all the circumstances of the two vehicle fatal road traffic collision on the M9 Northbound at Junction 3 in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 16th August, 2026.

The occupants of the second vehicle, three women (two aged in their 30s, one in her 20s) and a male child all remain in hospital continuing to receive treatment for serious injuries.

Forensic Collision Investigators have completed their examination of the scene.

The road is expected to reopen shortly.

Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to relatives of the occupants of both vehicles.

Gardaí are appealing for any persons who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are appealing to road users who were travelling on the M9 northbound or southbound between 2:00am and 3:00am this morning Sunday 16th August, 2026 and who may have dashcam footage of the incident or surrounding area to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athy Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Speaking today, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said, "My thoughts are with those injured in this morning’s collision on the M9. These family members were travelling innocently when they were struck by a vehicle being driven the wrong way down the motorway.

"This horrific incident, following the recent collision on the M50, shows how irresponsible and dangerous driving on the wrong-side of the motorway is. That, of course, should be self-evident, but what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media likes regardless of the potentially devastating impact it might have on innocent people and themselves.

"As this particular incident has been referred to Fiosrú, the Police Ombudsman, I am constrained in what I can say in detail about this incident, but I know that Gardaí do what they can to stop such vehicles while also taking into consideration all other road users. Gardaí are put in a really challenging situation dealing with such incidents. As always, An Garda Síochána will fully cooperate with the Police Ombudsman investigation which I hope is completed as expeditiously as possible.

"My thoughts are also with all members of An Garda Síochána and the emergency services who had to deal with this awful incident this morning. Such incidents show the difficult work we ask our Gardaí to undertake every day to keep our communities safe.”