Garda crash: Squad car may have tipped kerb

Gardai in Cork say they are not yet certain what caused Sunday morning's tragic accident in which two members of the force were killed.

Garda George Rice, 45, and Garda Seamas McIntyre, 29, who were both natives of County Kerry stationed in Cork, died instantly when their patrol car collided with a hackney cab.

They died instantly in the crash which happened as they were rushing to an urgent call from colleagues in the Blarney area.

It is understood that the wheel of the squad car may have tipped a kerb, causing the vehicle to go out of control, after which it struck the hackney cab.

The cab driver and his passenger are still in hospital, where the passenger is said to be fighting for his life.

Gardai cannot interview them due to the severity of their injuries.

They have appealed for witnesses to the accident to come forward with information, in particular a woman who gave assistance at the scene.

Gardai Rice and MacIntyre will be laid to rest tomorrow with full ceremonial honours. Garda commissioner, Pat Byrne, will attend.