Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Tragic couple plunged 26ft on to rocks & died instantly
US tourists are killed after horse bolts into wall during carriage ride
TWO US tourists were killed in a horror horse-and-cart accident in a picturesque mountain valley yesterday.
The victims, a couple in their 60s, were travelling in a jaunting car outside Killarney, Co Kerry.
Sources said the horse became startled and bolted before crashing into the wall of the Iron Bridge, sending the two tourists into a river.
They plummeted almost 26ft to the rocks in the water below and it is understood they died almost instantly from massive head injuries.
The driver, from nearby Kilgarvan, was not seriously hurt.
The couple were on holiday from Phoenix, Arizona, and were travelling towards Kate Kearney’s cottage at about 2pm.
The woman’s daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren were behind in another jaunting car but did not see the accident.
A source said: “The horse ran at speed and struck the bridge. The jarvey [driver of the carriage] is hugely experienced and fought bravely to control the horse. There was little he could do. He has survived but has been taken to hospital.
“This is a relatively remote area and is relatively inaccessible. Cars can’t drive on the road so it is mostly used by walkers, cyclists and jaunting cars pulled by horses.
“The site of today’s incident is not far from where a US tourist lost her life last year while riding a bicycle.
“It is stunningly beautiful area but can very dangerous. After the last death there were certain measures put in place to improve safety.” It is understood the victims had only been in Ireland for two or three days.
Councillor Patrick Connor said the local community was saddened by the news. He added: “This is very shocking news to hear of the death of the two tourists.
“It follows on from a death last year and everyone is deeply stunned by the tragic incident.
“Our sympathies are with the deceased’s family in America.” Kerry councillor Donal Grady also paid tribute to the tragic couple. He said: “Killarney and surrounding areas are in shock.
“We send our sympathies and condolences to the families and wish the jarvey a good recovery.”
A US Embassy spokesman confirmed his agency would be providing consular assistance. He added: “We are aware of reports of US citizens being involved in an accident near Killarney, Co Kerry, earlier today.
“The welfare of US citizens is one of the State Department’s highest priorities. We stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.”
The scene, which was examined by forensics officers, is on a narrow stretch of road between the famous Kate Kearney’s Cottage and the Black Valley in the Gap of Dunloe. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for tourists with large numbers of US visitors.
Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce president Paul O’neill said: “We are shocked and saddened by this most tragic accident.”
KILLARNEY YESTERDAY