E-scooter rider dies following collision with van
News

E-scooter rider dies following collision with van

AN e-scooter rider has died following a collision with a van in Co. Sligo.

The incident happened at around 8pm on October 25 in the townland of Rusheen in Riverstown.

The man, aged in his 50s, died after his electric scooter collided with a van, Gardaí have confirmed.

The driver of the van, a man aged in his 30s, received minor injuries and is receiving medical treatment at Sligo University Hospital.

Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who may have information about the incident to contact them.

“Anyone who was travelling in the vicinity of Rusheen, Riverstown on October 25 between 7.30pm and 8.15pm and who may have camera footage (including dash cam), is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí,” they state.

“Anyone with information in relation to this collision is asked to contact Ballymote Garda Station on 071 918 9500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station,” they add.

The man’s death brings the total number of people who have died on Irish roads this year to 155.

That is the same figure as was recorded for the whole of 2022.

Acknowledging the alarming rise in road deaths this year, Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, said the figures were "shocking".

Speaking in the Dáil  yesterday, Mr Chambers confirmed “the safety of all road users is the first priority for my Department”.

“Travel and transportation is an essential component of social and economic life in this country and needs to be available, accessible and sustainable,” he added.

“Above all, it needs to be safe.  I am sad to say, however, that in three out of the last four years, we have experienced an increase in road-related fatalities and serious accidents.

“This year is likely to see that trend exacerbated.

“Each of the fatalities represents a devastating loss for families and communities across the country, and each serious injury has life-changing consequences.”