11 children, four adults hurt in Kerry crash
While all those involved escaped with their lives, two people were seriously hurt in the crash, which occurred on the main Killarney to Tralee road shortly before 6pm.
Six of those injured, including children, were airlifted to Cork University Hospital, while nine were being treated last night at Kerry General Hospital in Tralee.
Nine members of one family — two adults and seven children, including a 16-month-old baby — were travelling towards Killarney in a Renault Trafic minibus, which was drawing a trailer. The minibus collided head-on with a Peugeot saloon car which was travelling in the opposite direction.
The car is believed to have been rented by a British family of two adults and three children who were on holiday in the area.
A major emergency response plan involving the Coast Guard, Air Corps, and fire and medical services was put into immediate operation.
The National Ambulance Service deployed 10 ambulances, two rapid response vehicles, and an intermediate care vehicle with two doctors on board.
Four helicopters were despatched to the scene — two from the Irish Coastguard and two from the Irish Air Corps.
The accident occurred a mile south of Farranfore in an area known as Knockaderry hill.
Cathal O’Donnell, medical director for the National Ambulance Service, said: “This was a very serious accident and many people have been injured tonight.”
He paid tribute to all those involved in the emergency response.
“I want to thank all of the ambulance personnel, the doctors, the staff in Kerry General and CUH as well as our colleagues in the Irish Coast Guard service and the Irish Air Corps for the swift, professional response.”
He also paid tribute to the authorities and staff at Kerry Airport in Farranfore for their assistance.
