Gardaí probe whether speed played part in men’s deaths

Gardaí are investigating if speed was a factor in the death of two young men in a single-vehicle car crash in Blanchardstown, north Dublin, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The two deceased were named locally as Simon Hand, aged 24, and Dean Cullen, aged 21, both from the Blanchardstown area.

Mr Hand, from Huntstown, was the driver of the ‘03 red mini, while Mr Cullen, from Mount Symon Green, was in the passenger seat.

The car lost control on Hartstown Rd and mounted a footpath before ploughing into a tree shortly after 4.15am.

A garda car which was stopped at lights at a junction on Hartstown Rd saw the mini drive at what appeared to be high speed through the junction at 4.15am. The mini had the green light at the junction, but lost control soon after.

It is understood the mini was registered to Mr Hand’s girlfriend, who was abroad on work at the time.

Mr Cullen died at the scene, while Mr Hand was removed to hospital and passed away later.

Garda forensic collision investigators carried out a detailed examination at the scene, which will enable them to establish the speed and trajectory of the car, as well as road conditions.

A garda file will be submitted to the coroner.

As standard in road fatalities, toxicology tests will be conducted on the deceased.

Gardaí said the garda car did not engage in any kind of pursuit of the mini. As a result, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is not involved.

Gardaí are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.