Double investigation follows ambulance accident

Two separate investigations were launched today after a father-of-three was knocked down and killed by an ambulance in Co Kerry.

The 45-year-old was hit just a short distance from his home on a narrow stretch of country road near the townland of Tullig, Killorglin.

The incident happened at around 2.15am this morning.

Both gardaí and the Health Service Executive are investigating the circumstances around the accident.

The HSE confirmed the ambulance was responding to a call in Killorglin but it is understood it was not an emergency. The driver was treated for shock.

A spokeswoman added: “The HSE extends its sympathy to the man’s family and all concerned and has offered them any necessary support.”

The man is the fourth person to die on the country’s roads over the Christmas period.

Brian Ferris, from The Gables, Kill, Co Kildare, died on Christmas Eve when the car he was travelling in crashed into a wall on Tipper Road.

Stephen Clampett, 34, of Greenore Park, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford, was killed in a crash near Rosslare at 2.30am on Christmas Day.

And Massimo Lingi, 24, of Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, died in a single vehicle crash at Ballinderry, Mullingar, at 3.50am the same day.