Gardaí investigating “all circumstances” following car fire deaths in Westmeath

Two children died in the fire on Friday (9 September).

An Garda Síochána has said it is "investigating all of the circumstances" following the deaths of two children in a car fire in Westmeath on Friday (9 September). The fatal incident occurred shortly before 4pm on a rural road at Lackan near Multyfarnham. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to attend the scene. An infant boy was removed by ambulance to Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar, where he was later pronounced dead. The remains of a young girl were discovered inside the car as well, where her remains have been removed from the scene to Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. An woman was treated at the scene for burn injuries, and was taken by air ambulance to a Dublin Hospital. The woman's injuries are understood to be serious but not thought to be life threatening. The scene was examined on Friday night by the Garda Technical Bureau and remained preserved. The car has since been removed from the scene and is being forensically examined. The area has also been examined by the State Pathologist, Dr. Sally Ann Collis, and is set out carry out post mortems on both deceased in the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. The Coroner has been notified. The results of the post Mortems and the forensic examinations will determine the course of the investigation. An incident room has been established at Mullingar Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation. A Garda family liaison officer has been put in place, with An Garda Síochána continuing to support the family involved in conjunction with other state agencies. Gardaí are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact investigating Gardaí at Mullingar at 044 9384000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 11 or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates are set to follow.