German motorcyclists killed in collision with doctor’s car

A German couple were killed yesterday in Co Mayo when their motorcycle collided with a car driven by a local doctor.

The collision occurred at about 12.20pm at a spot known locally as Massey’s Bend, Lacken Cross, on the Killala to Ballycastle road.

The male biker died at the scene. His pillion passenger died in an ambulance on route to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar.

Both are believed to be in their early 50s. The driver of the car was named locally as Dr Declan Clinton.

Dr Clinton was admitted to Mayo General Hospital but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The R314 road was closed following the crash as gardaí began forensic examinations of the scene.

Local man David Massey said gardaí, three ambulances, and a fire appliance attended the scene and were helped by people from the area.

Mr Massey explained there had been a double fatality at the bend about 15 years ago but remedial works had been carried out since then.

Jarlath Munnelly, a member of Mayo County Council, said the community was shocked by the deaths of the two tourists.

He also expressed sympathy with Dr Clinton for the injuries and trauma he had suffered.

Mr Munnelly said the bend had been regarded as a black spot but had been improved recently with the installation of sign-posting and rumble strips.