NZ tourist dies in collision at skew bridge in Cork

A New Zealand tourist in her 60s was killed in a crash at a dangerous bridge on the outskirts of Cork City yesterday afternoon.

She was a passenger in one of two cars that crashed at the skew bridge on Lower Glanmire Road, which passes over the rail line at the eastern edge of the city.

Four other people were injured and brought to hospital, where their injuries were described last night as not life threatening.

Gardaí said the woman was pronounced dead shortly after arriving by ambulance at Cork University Hospital.

They have appealed for witnesses to the crash which happened around 4pm to contact Mayfield Garda station at 021 4558510, the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

The forensic and technical examination of the scene meant the busy road was kept closed for several hours last night.

A man in his 30s was killed when he drove his car at speed at the bridge from Cork City in October 2006. In 2012, a couple in their 20s had a lucky escape when a man drove a stolen car at speed and lost control at the skew bridge and crashed into their car.

The fatality yesterday followed another head-on collision at Blackwater Bridge in Enfield, Co Meath on Saturday night. The 25-year-old woman passenger in one car was killed, and the man in his 20s who was driving was in a serious condition in hospital yesterday.

The woman in her 30s who was driving the other car was taken to Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

Gardaí at Enfield (046 9541002) are investigating or information can also be given to the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any station.