Teenagers killed in Ireland car crash
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The gist
Five teenage boys died instantly in a head-on M9 crash after their BMW drove wrong-way. The four injured were an extended family heading to Dublin Airport.
Background
The crash occurred around 3am on Sunday on the M9 motorway in County Kildare, Ireland. Gardaí confirmed that one vehicle, a BMW carrying five teenagers, was travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway before colliding head-on with another car. The other car carried an extended family from Carlow, including a child, who were on their way to Dublin Airport for a break. The M9 was closed in both directions for investigation.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026 03:00Head-on collision on M9 northbound at Junction 3, Co Kildare, involving a BMW travelling wrong-way and another car.
- Aug 16, 2026 08:41Initial reports confirm multiple fatalities and serious injuries; M9 closed in both directions.
- Aug 16, 2026 17:31Gardaí confirm five teenage males died; bodies removed to Naas General Hospital for post-mortems.
- Aug 16, 2026 20:39Reports emerge that occupants of the BMW were wearing balaclavas or masks; car driven wrong-way twice.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Gardaí confirmed the five teenagers died instantly and are investigating the circumstances, with no pursuit taking place.
- Public
- A mourner posted: 'Rest easy, bro. Always be in my heart and thoughts. Gonna miss u so much.'
Still unverified
Reports that the teenagers were wearing balaclavas or masks are based on eyewitness accounts and have not been officially confirmed.