The horror death of a young boy, who was killed when the car he was driving collided with a lorry, has been described as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
Wiktor Chojecki (12), who is from the Newcastle West area of Limerick, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision on the N21 at Rineore near Adare shortly before 2am on Friday.
First Year student Wiktor was the sole occupant of the Nissan Qashqai, believed to have been owned by a relative, when it was involved in the horror crash that has left the whole community in huge shock and sadness.
It’s believed the boy, who was due to celebrate his 13th birthday in the coming weeks, took the car for a spin without his family’s knowledge.
The horror crash happened around 20km from his home.
The driver of the lorry, a man in his 40s, did not require hospital treatment but is said to be in shock.
Parish Priest of Newcastle West Fr Frank Duhig, who baptised Wiktor 12 years ago in the Church of the Immaculate Conception said the whole community is “in total shock”.
“There’s total shock, we are all in shock. What do you say? I was at the school earlier and his classmates and teachers are all in shock and upset.
“We had Mass for him and prayed for him,” said Fr Duhig.
“I baptised him 12 years ago,” recalled Fr Duhig, adding that he spent time consoling Wiktor’s parents Bartosc and Ewa and his younger sister yesterday morning.
“I called into his parents to spend time with them and they are in terrible shock and are heartbroken,” he said.
“We are doing what we can do for them, everyone is rallying around and we are offering our prayers and condolences to them. Our thoughts also with the lorry driver.”
Wiktor’s parents are originally from Poland but moved to Newcastle West a number of years ago, it is understood.
They are being comforted by family and friends and a large Polish community in Newcastle West.
Principal of Scoil Mhuire agus Ide Sean Lane, where Wiktor was a First Year student, said the boy’s death is a “terrible tragedy for the Chojecki family, our school and our community.”
“We are deeply saddened by these events and our sympathy and thoughts are with Wiktor’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” Mr Lane said in a statement issued to The Star yesterday.
“Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated.”
Mr Lane said the school has implemented its Critical Incident Management Plan with a psychologist from NEPS in attendance yesterday supporting and advising teachers in their efforts to assist the students at this time.
“The teachers have been helping students deal with the tragic event,” he said.
Deputy Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Tom Ruddle told The Star “the town is totally numb” as news of the tragedy filtered through yesterday morning.
“Wiktor and his family have been living here for a number of years.
“The town is totally numb hearing the news of this awful tragedy. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” Cllr Ruddle said.
Cllr Adam Tesky said locals are “in despair and shock”.
“There is an empty seat at a child’s desk and his pals and peers are in shock and mourning. We need to be mindful that this boy lost his life in extraordinary circumstances. And my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
“Our thoughts are also with the driver of the lorry for what he witnessed and it must have been harrowing for him and to the emergency first responders and members of An Garda Siochana and Limerick Fire Services that went to help at the scene,” he added.
Gardai and emergency services were alerted to the fatal crash just before 2am and discovered the boy deceased and trapped in the car which had been completely destroyed in the collision.
The scene of the fatal crash was preserved yesterday for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators with diversions in place.
As investigations into the fatal crash continue, gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N21 near Adare area at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastlewest Garda Station 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
