Two US Tourists Die In ‘Freak Horse Accident’ In Kerry

The Irish Independent is reporting that two tourists from the United States Of America who were visiting the south of Ireland have died in what is being described as a “freak accident”.

A man and woman who were in their 50s or 60s were riding along the Gap of Dunloe and were near Kate Kearney’s Cottage attraction when the incident took place. 

The publication understands that they were occupants on a horse that was pulling a jaunting car (a trap pulled by a horse or pony) when it suddenly bolted without warning and struck a bridge.

The tourists became detached from the horse and fell approximately eight metres down onto the rocks below the stream. 

The condition of the person who was driving the car has not been confirmed. 

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene immediately.

On Monday night Gardaí released a statement on the matter saying that the couple “were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies removed to University Hospital Kerry in Tralee. The driver was also taken to Tralee Hospital but has since been released.

“The road is currently closed to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collison Investigators.

“Gardai wish to appeal for witnesses to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 6671160, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”