Update:
11.40am – Gardaí have now confirmed that the man seriously injured in this morning’s road traffic collision on the N18, has died in hospital.
Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the fatal collision which occurred at Portdrine.
A spokesperson confirmed: “At approximately 4am, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a collision involving a car and a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a male in his 30s, was taken to University Hospital Limerick where he later passed away.
The road is currently closed to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place. The local coroner has been notified, and arrangements will be made for a post-mortem examination.”
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station,” the spokesperson added.
A referral has been made under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act to the An Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) in relation to this incident. This referral however is not directly connected to the actual Road Traffic Collision.
Earlier: A section of the N18 dual-carriageway is closed near Cratloe following a serious road traffic collision earlier.
The incident, which is understood to have involved a pedestrian and car, occurred at around 4.15am at junction 5 at Portdrine.
Gardaí and National Ambulance Service paramedics responded to the incident along with Clare County Fire and Rescue Service crews from Shannon and Ennis stations.
The man was struck close to the flyover near Portdrine while the car came to a stop about 100 metres away. It’s understood the female driver of the car was not seriously hurt but was left shaken.
The seriously injured man was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he is believed to be in a serious condition.
The main Limerick to Shannon N18 route has been closed at junction 5 and traffic diverted via Portdrine and the Cratloe/Sixmilebridge road.
A technical examination of the scene is expected to carried out this morning.
Gardaí say the road is “likely to remain closed for most of the day.”
Intending passengers travelling to Shannon Airport have been advised to allowed extra time for their journey as they will be diverted at junction 5.
08.30 Due to an earlier accident on the northbound N18, passengers should allow extra time this morning getting to the airport. pic.twitter.com/XYc7l6eQQu
— Shannon Airport (@ShannonAirport) June 1, 2024