Lorry driver (56) appears in court following fatal collision in Monaghan
Remanded in custody as gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses
A 56-YEAR-OLD lorry driver of Romanian nationality has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, following a fatal road accident in Co Monaghan yesterday morning [Thursday, December 18].
Ion Bucurica, with an address at Avenue Victor Hugo, 33110 Le Bouscat, Bordeaux, France, appeared before Judge Gerry Jones at a special sitting of Monaghan District Court this evening [Friday, December 19].
A 37-year-old mother of two, Emma Mackarel, from Latgallan, Clones, Co Monaghan died in the collision that occurred at about 8am on the N2 at Mullaghnee, Annalitten, outside Castleblayney.
Ms Mackarel, who was the sole occupant of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
Evidence of arrest, charge and caution was given by Garda Inspector Damien Martin, who said gardaí were objecting to bail in this case.
He said the allegation was that Mr Bucurica was driving his motor vehicle when he was involved in a collision causing the death of Emma Mackarel.
Roisin Courtney, solicitor, said her client was not seeking bail at this point. She said he was a Romanian man who is currently living in France.
Ms Courtney said her client had been working as a lorry driver, but that she was applying for legal aid due to the seriousness of the charge.
Acceding to the application, Judge Jones extended the aid to cover Romanian translation services.
The judge remanded Bucurica to appear at next Monday’s sitting of Monaghan District Court.
This was the second fatal traffic collision to occur in Monaghan in less than a week after a male pedestrian, aged in his 60s, was knocked down and killed by a lorry in Monaghan Town last weekend, Saturday, December 13.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this latest collision on the N2 to contact them.
Road users who were travelling on the N2 between Castleblayney and Broomfield between 7:30am and 8:15am, and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Castleblayney Garda Station on 047 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.