A TRIO of Irish tourists who died in a tragic late night car crash near Malaga over the weekend were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident, it can be revealed.
The rented Mercedes Benz Brabus careened off the side of the road around 2.30am on Sunday morning, tragically claiming three lives of a family from Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
Amy McCullagh, her brother-in-law Mark McCullagh and his partner Michaela Newcombe were all pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, Amy’s husband Ian McCullagh, aged in his 30s, and Mark’s brother, was rushed to Carlos Haya Hospital in Malaga where he remains in a serious condition.
READ MORE: Tragedy in Malaga as three young Irish people die in ‘devastating’ late night head on collision
The circumstances surrounding the accident are still unclear
As Ian McCullagh lost control, the car sped on at and ploughed through the guardrail.
It then plunged into a deep ravine before finally coming to a stop at a roundabout.
Investigators believe they swerved to avoid a car coming on the opposite lane, driven by a 64-year-old woman who was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
However, sources at the Guardia Civil told The Olive Press that nothing more will be known for a few days once the investigation is under way.
According to reports, family members have flown out to Spain in order to stand by the side of the sole survivor.
Neighbours from Mullingar are said to be ‘praying for those involved in the crash’, including priest Fr Normal Allred who has considered it a ‘heartbreaking day’.
A minute’s silence was also held yesterday at Westmeath County Council, sources indicate.
Havana Sun Mullingar, the beauty salon where Michaela Newcombe used to work, has recently spoken on Facebook about the devastating news.
They stated that they were clinging ‘to the hope that the terrible news wasn’t true’, but eventually they ‘say goodbye’ to the deceased partner, the ‘face and heart’ of the place.
The salon only has words of love and grief for Michaela, as they call her ‘the kindest, friendliest soul’, and assure that many people miss her, that she was very well loved and special to clients and colleagues alike.
Furthermore, they say that the place will always hold her laughter, kindness and spirit, and will carry her memory.
Havana Sun has also spoken on behalf of the whole town of Mullinger and has extended their condolences to the families and friends of Mark and Amy.
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