Irish man killed in Australia

A 23-year-old Irish backpacker was killed in a road accident in Australia, it was confirmed today.

Donal Bolton died after an out-of-control car ploughed into him and his girlfriend as he sat on a bench in the Queensland resort town of Cairns.

It is understood the Offaly man had only been in the area one night.

Mr Bolton’s 22-year-old girlfriend suffered minor injuries and was treated in Cairns Base Hospital.

The accident happened on Tuesday afternoon at the City Mall area of the city.

Queensland Police said the 33-year-old man who had been driving the car was also taken to hospital.

His injuries are not life-threatening.

Forensic officers were investigating the cause of the crash.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said consular staff were liaising with the Bolton family and also providing assistance to the dead man's girlfriend.

It is understood she has been released from hospital.