Post-mortem due on woman's body found in burning car in Cork

Woman, 72, from the Mallow area and man, 62, from Co Limerick, have not been named but are understood to be known to each other

Garda technicians cover a car license plate at the scene where a woman was pronounced dead in a burned out car outside Doneraile in north Cork.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place today on the body of a woman found dead in north Co Cork on Thursday evening.

The woman, aged 72 and believed to be from the Mallow area, was discovered at around 5pm in the car.

It was parked on a remote forest track in woods at Dromdeer, between Doneraile and Skenakilla Cross.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster carried out an investigation of the scene and will now perform a postmortem at Cork University Hospital.

Members of the public alerted emergency services at around 4.30pm after the car was spotted on fire and Cork County Fire Brigade units attended.

The area has become a popular spot for walkers since the start of the pandemic.

A man, 62, who is believed to be known to the woman, was later rescued from the River Awbeg.

He is believed to have been found near Ballinamona Cross, where a bridge crosses over the river.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Gardai have not made any arrests and they are not understood to be looking for anybody else in connection with it. Picture:  Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Believed to be from Co Limerick, he has since been transferred to Cork University Hospital and is believed to be in a serious, but not life-threatening, condition.

According to reports on Friday morning, the man's condition improved last night after he was brought to the CUH suffering from hypothermia.

Gardaí have said they hope to interview the man in relation to the incident once he is able to do so.

Neither the woman nor the man has been identified as of yet.

Gardai have not made any arrests and they are not understood to be looking for anybody else in connection with it.

However, at this stage, they do not know what they are dealing with, according to sources.

"It is a popular spot for walkers, so maybe they are not from the area."

A Garda spokesperson said: "At around 4.30pm Gardaí were alerted to a car that was on fire in the Doneraile area on Co. Cork.

Gardaí discovered a body, gender and aged unknown, inside a car that was on fire.

"A search of the area was carried out and a man, age also unknown, was rescued by Gardaí from a nearby river. This man is currently receiving medical attention in Cork University Hospital.

"The scene is currently preserved and a technical examination is to be carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau.

"The Office of the State Pathologist has been informed and a post mortem is to be carried out, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation.

Gardai pictured near the scene where a woman was pronounced dead in a burned out car outside Doneraile in north Cork. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

"Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was in the Doneraile area between 3pm and 5pm, particular anyone with mobile phone footage or dashcam footage, to contact Fermoy Garda Station on 025-82100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.

Despite an initial report that there were shots fired, Gardaí are satisfied that no firearms were involved in this incident.

A resident who lives in the area told the Irish Examiner: "We are all utterly dumbfounded.

"I have lived in the area for years and would know most people around here and nobody appears to have heard anything about who is involved in this tragedy."