IRISH FIREFGHTER AND POLICE OFFICER STRUCK AND KILLED

The full horrific details of how a garda and a firefighter died in the line of duty unfolded last night. Garda Brian Kelleher and part-time fireman Michael Liston, who were married with families, were attending the scene of a car crash when they were knocked down and killed by another car.

An 18-year-old youth who was arrested after his car ploughed into the emergency workers is believed to have been driving to a late night party in Limerick city. The Irish Independent has learned that the teenager was at his home in Kerry when he received the invite to the party via a text to his mobile phone. He and two of his friends emerged from the car unhurt.

As a garda investigation began into the cause of the tragedy last night, the teenage driver's father visited the scene of the accident and was said to have been visibly upset. Garda Kelleher (46), from Bruree, and Mr Liston (47) from Foynes, had travelled with other emergency service workers to deal with an overturned car. They were on the scene of the initial accident at Barrigone, between Askeaton and Foynes, Co Limerick when the horrific crash happened shortly after 5.30am.

They were overseeing the lifting of the vehicle from the earlier accident onto a vehicle transporter when they were hit by another car on the N69 road. Despite the efforts of ambulance personnel, the garda and fireman died on the roadside surrounded by their stricken colleagues.