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07th Nov 2023

Teens killed in Donegal crash were reportedly returning home after night shift

Stephen Porzio

The two teenagers have been named locally.

The two teenagers who died in a car crash in Donegal in the early hours of Monday morning (6 November) were reportedly returning home after one of them worked a night shift at a restaurant.

The single vehicle collision occurred at around 12.30am on the R238 at Terrawee in Gleneely. Two occupants of the car, a female and male in their late teens, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

They have since been named locally as Alana Harkin (18) and Thomas Gallagher (18).

A third occupant of the car, a male in his late teens, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

According to multiple outlets, the group had earlier left the restaurant – Simpson’s Bar & Restaurant in Carndonagh – where Alana had just worked a night shift.

It is reported that, having dropped a fourth person off in Glengad, the trio were travelling to Gleneely – where Alana and Thomas were from – when the crash occurred.

Teens killed in Donegal crash were reportedly returning home after night shift

In a statement on its Facebook page on Monday night, Simpson’s Bar & Restaurant paid tribute to Alana, writing:

“It’s with a heavy heart that we lost our dear friend and colleague. Alana had a smile that would brighten up any room, she was always so bubbly and friendly, she will always have a special place in our hearts and will be sorely missed by all. We would like to send our deepest condolences to The Harkin & Gallagher families.

“Remains are leaving Mountain Top Letterkenny tomorrow the 7th of November at 1pm. As a mark of respect for our dear friends funerals, Simpsons Bar and Restaurant will be closed Friday the 10th and will reopen Saturday the 11th.

“We also would like to wish our colleague Patrick a speedy recovery. Please bear with us at this difficult time.”

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the Donegal crash to contact them.

Any road users who were travelling on the R238 in the early hours of Monday morning between midnight and 1.00am and have camera footage, including dashcam footage, are asked to make this available to An Garda Síochána.

Those with any information are asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

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