GSOC investigation into Monaghan crash

The Garda Ombudsman has launched an investigation into a serious road crash in Co Monaghan last night.

The incident happened at around 9.15pm on the R183 Clones to Ballybay road, close to the junction with the Cootehill to Monaghan road.

A number of people sustained injuries in the multi-vehicle crash. The road remains closed this afternoon.

Gardaí had earlier appealed for information on the crash and had asked members of the public who had seen a silver Volkswagen Passat in the area to contact them.

READ MORE: Investigation into overnight road crash

It's now emerged Gardaí referred the incident to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) for investigation. The referral was made under Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, which provides for independent investigation of any matter that appears to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.

GSOC this afternoon confirmed it has now said it too is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. It says it "is seeking assistance from the public in an investigation it is undertaking on foot of a road traffic incident".

"GSOC would like to speak to any witnesses who may have seen a 2005 Silver Volkswagen Passat with a blue rear right door in the vicinity of Ballybay, Co Monaghan, between 8.30 and 9.15 pm on Monday 8 August 2022, including any interaction with An Garda Síochána."

It has also appealed for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to make it available.

Anyone with information which may be of assistance to the investigation is asked to contact GSOC at 0818 600 800 or info@gsoc.ie.