Man dies in Galway crash as son survives

Christmas in Ballinasloe, Co Galway has been overshadowed after a father from the town died and his son was injured in a crash yesterday.

At 12.45pm the 45-year-old was driving on the old Ballinasloe to Loughrea road, the R4446, at Moyleen when his car hit a wall.

His five-year-old son was with him and was hurt. He was brought to hospital but his injuries are not life threatening. The man was taken to Portiuncula Hospital where staff tried to save his life but he was pronounced dead.

The road was closed to allow crash investigators to assess what happened. Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to contact Loughrea Station on 091 842870.

Also, an elderly woman was seriously injured in Mayo when she was hit by a car while walking on the Pontoon Road in Castlebar.

The 81-year-old was in a serious condition in Castlebar hospital last night.

The incidents happened as the Road Safety Authority made a fresh appeal for people to drive with care, particularly due to the weather conditions. It said even in the darkness drivers had to be attentive to dangers that might not be obvious to the naked eye, such as the risk posed by black ice.

“Watch out for black ice. If the road looks polished or glossy it could be black ice, one of winter’s worst hazards,” it said.