Irish dad and young son killed in horror motorbike accident in Turkey as victims named
AN Irish dad and his young son have died in a horror motorbike accident in Turkey.
Eoin Fitzpatrick, who was aged in his 30s, and his son Dylan have been named locally after being killed when the moped they were travelling on was involved in a collision.
The incident occurred at around 3.30pm local time yesterday in the coastal tourist town of Alanya.
Young Dylan, who died in the tragedy, is understood to be just ten-years-old.
His devastated mum is now travelling to Turkey in the wake of the horror.
It is understood Eoin and Dylan are from Laois and had been on holiday at the time.
Other members of the family were also on the holiday but were not involved in the tragic incident.
Turkish media have reported that the father and son collided with a bus which was travelling from Alanya to Mersin on the D-400 highway in the Kargicak District.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the pair were later pronounced dead.
Reports from Alanya have also said the driver of the bus has been detained by police for questioning.
Most read in Irish News
Laois-based Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley said the deadly road crash happened on the same day the family had planned to fly home.
He said the boy's mother is now flying out to Turkey in the wake of the horror incident.
Mr Stanley said the family lives near him and grandparents on both sides of the family are well known in Portlaoise.
He told RTE's News at One: "Obviously there's shock and devastation at the loss of these two people.
"The 10-year-old would have been very popular in the neighbourhood... (people) would have seen him mixing with the kids here."
LOCALS STUNNED
The TD described the deaths as an "awful tragedy".
Speaking of heartbroken relatives in Laois, he continued: "They have lost a son and lost a grandson. Nothing could prepare you for it.
"The Turkish police notified the other family members who were in the resort at the time.
"News was coming through yesterday evening around teatime but some of it was confusing.
"My heartfelt sympathies goes to the mother of the boy and also to the parents of the deceased man and the grandparents on both sides.
"In the days and weeks ahead, the community in Portlaoise will rally around both families and hopefully be able to give them some support and comfort."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The Department of Foreign Affairs are aware of the case and providing consular assistance.
A spokesperson added: "As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case."