Navan, Co. Meath – A man has been arrested following a hit-and-run incident on the Slane Road in Navan yesterday evening that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl. The incident is part of a tragic 24-hour period on Irish roads that saw four fatalities across the country, prompting renewed calls for road safety.
The collision occurred at approximately 8:20 PM on February 21, 2026. Gardaí – the Irish police force – responded to the scene and confirmed that the driver of the vehicle involved did not remain at the scene. The injured girl was immediately transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, where she was later pronounced dead. The name of the deceased has not yet been released by authorities.
Investigation and Arrest
Following a search, a man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the investigation. Gardaí have as well seized a vehicle as part of their ongoing inquiries. A technical examination of the scene on the Slane Road is underway, and local diversions remain in place as of this morning, February 22, 2026. The investigation is being led by officers at Navan Garda Station.
Gardaí are appealing to the public for assistance. They are specifically requesting anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has camera footage – including dash-cam recordings – from the area around the time of the collision, to arrive forward. Individuals with information are asked to contact Navan Garda Station at 046 9036100, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or their local Garda station.
Broader Road Safety Concerns
This tragedy comes amid a concerning rise in road fatalities in Ireland. According to reports, this incident brings the total number of people killed on Irish roads yesterday to four. In addition to the fatal collision in Navan, a woman in her 80s died in a single-vehicle crash near Eyrecourt, Co. Galway, and two people in their 40s were killed in a collision between a car and a van in Co. Waterford. Details of the Galway crash are available on RTÉ News. Further information on the Waterford collision can be found on RTÉ News.
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, where the 16-year-old girl was taken, provides a range of acute and emergency services to the region. Information about other HSE hospitals, including Our Lady’s Hospital Navan, can be found on the HSE website. While the girl was transported to the Lourdes Hospital, Our Lady’s Hospital Navan also provides medical services to the area.
The Slane Road, where the incident occurred, is a key route in County Meath. Local diversions are expected to cause delays for commuters, and Gardaí have advised motorists to exercise caution in the area. The technical examination of the scene is crucial to understanding the circumstances surrounding the collision and will inform the ongoing investigation.
The arrest of a man in connection with the incident represents a significant step in the investigation, but Gardaí continue to appeal for information from the public. The loss of a young life is a devastating blow to the community, and authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the arrested man, pending ongoing investigations. The seized vehicle is currently undergoing forensic analysis to determine its involvement in the collision. The Gardaí are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward and assist with their inquiries.
This incident underscores the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. As investigations continue, the community in Navan mourns the loss of a young life and awaits further updates from authorities.
Gardaí are expected to provide a further update on the investigation following the completion of the technical examination of the scene. The focus remains on gathering evidence and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
If you have been affected by this tragedy, or are experiencing grief or distress, please reach out for support. The Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123, or you can find resources and support services at ReachOut Ireland.
Share this story and help Gardaí gather information. Depart your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
