Tributes have been paid to a pensioner who lost his life in a two-vehicle crash on the N55 at The Pigeons, between Athlone and Ballymahon, on Thursday morning, reports Breaking News.
The deceased has been identified locally as Tom Walsh (66) from Willow Crescent, Ballymahon, Co Longford. He was driving one of the vehicles involved in the collision and had a male passenger in his 80s with him at the time.
Mr Walsh, who was behind the wheel, was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains were later taken to Tullamore Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted. Locals described Tom as someone who worked closely with farmers in the area and also carried out maintenance work at Centre Parcs, reports Breaking News.
Local Councillor Paul Ross (FG), a former Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, paid tribute to Tom, calling him an absolute gentleman.
He said, ”Tom worked on a number of farms around the area and was very well known. There is huge shock in the Ballymahon area at this tragedy. We are all thinking of Tom and his friends at this time.’’
According to a Garda press statement, the passenger in Tom’s car was taken to Tullamore Hospital for treatment, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, reports Breaking News.
The driver of the second vehicle, also a man in his 80s, was transported to the same hospital, but his injuries are likewise not considered life-threatening.
This afternoon, Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out a technical examination of the crash site, reports Breaking News.
An incident room has been established at Athlone Garda Station, with the investigation being overseen by the Garda Divisional Traffic Inspector. Gardaà have also issued an appeal to the public for witnesses to come forward.
Road users with camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, who were in the area between 10:15 am and 11:15 am are urged to provide this material to the GardaÃ.
Anyone with information can contact Athlone Garda Station at 090 649 2600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station, reports Breaking News.
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