Escaped convict among five killed in accidents over weekend
The names of four of the five dead were released, including that of a 34-year-old car thief who had just fled Shelton Abbey open prison.
John Cunningham, from Tallaght, was close to the end of an 18-month sentence for vehicle theft and trespass when he walked out of the Wicklow facility, jumped on a stolen motorbike and sped off with his accomplice.
But shortly after midnight on Friday, the bike the pair were travelling on collided with a bus. Both vehicles exploded into flames.
The accomplice, who had not been named as of last night, also died. He was a former prisoner.
Cunningham was transferred from the Midlands to Shelton Abbey last Monday. He was due to be released in September.
The fugitive was reported missing from his cell at 11.40pm and died eight miles away less than half an hour later.
The bus driver managed to escape the burning bus but was treated for shock.
The fatal crash happened on the N11 at Ballinamessda between Wicklow and Arklow.
Prison officials cannot understand why Cunningham ran as inmates in Shelton enjoy a relaxed regime. There is little incentive to flee as they are coming close to the end of their sentences and if caught would be send back to a secure facility and serve more time.
Gardaí also released the names of three young men who died in a single vehicle crash in Donegal.
Janis Rogis, 21, Maris Valbe, 22, and Danis Sters, 19, all with addresses at Meenaward, Buncrana, Co Donegal, were found dead inside the car, which had crashed at Grainnes Gap on the main Buncrana to Muff road near Burnfoot.
All three men are from Latvia and were working in a local engineering factory.
The car was discovered at 7.45am on Saturday morning. A passerby spotted the crashed car in a ditch close to a bridge.
It is thought the driver of the car lost control as they arrived at a bridge. The car then left the road and plunged into the ditch close to the river.
Gardaí at Burnfoot are appealing for witnesses.
