By On Sunday afternoon, a 14‑year‑old girl died after she was hit by a scrambler bike in north Dublin. The crash took place at about 2:20 pm on Ratoath Road in the suburb of Finglas. The girl was on a pedestrian crossing when the collision happened. Gardai and emergency teams rushed to the scene. She was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown with serious injuries. Later that evening, she passed away in hospital. This news has shocked her family, friends, and the wider Dublin community.
This article lays out what is known about the crash. It explains how the incident unfolded, looks at the police response, local reactions, and what this means for road safety in Dublin.
What Happened on Ratoath Road
The collision happened on Ratoath Road, a busy street in Finglas, Dublin 11. The girl was walking on a zebra crossing when she was hit by a scrambler motorcycle. This is a type of motorbike often used off-road but increasingly seen on Dublin roads. Two people were on the scrambler at the time. One was a male in his late teens, and the other was a male juvenile (teenager).
Gardai said that after the crash, the girl was taken by ambulance to Connolly Hospital. She had serious injuries and was treated there. Later, she died from the injuries she received. One of the men on the bike was arrested by police. He is being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. The other rider and the arrested man were treated for non life-threatening injuries.
The road was closed for a time so collision investigators could examine the scene. Gardai asked the public to share any footage they might have captured near the area between approximately 2:10 pm and 2:40 pm that afternoon.
The Victim: A Life Lost Too Soon
The girl was only 14 years old when she died. News of her death has left many people in Dublin shocked and saddened. She was out on a Sunday afternoon, likely enjoying a quiet moment before this tragedy struck. Her loss has hit the local community hard.
People in the area said that many residents were upset by the news. Some even thought at first that it might have been their own child involved. That shows how close-knit the community is. Residents said they have seen dangerous driving on that stretch of road before. Some have been calling for safety changes for years.
Many friends and neighbours have paid tribute online. Messages expressed shock, sadness, and anger over the loss of such a young person.
The Scene and Police Response
When emergency workers arrived at Ratoath Road, they found the scrambler bike badly damaged. Garda technical experts took photos and examined the scene in detail. The road was closed while they worked.
Gardai asked anyone who saw what happened to come forward. They also asked people who might have camera footage of the crash to share it. This includes dash-cam or CCTV footage taken near the road around the time of the collision.
The police continue to investigate the cause of the collision. They aim to find out exactly what led to this tragic crash.
Arrest and Legal Action
A male in his late teens has been arrested in connection with the crash. He was held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, which allows police to hold someone while gathering evidence.
Police do not yet know if charges will be filed. That decision will depend on the results of their investigation.
Community Reaction
Local people have spoken out since the crash. Many are stunned and grieving. One youth worker said the event was “horrific,” and that people are calling for more safety measures on the road.
Some residents say they have seen scrambler and e-bikes speeding along that road for months. They feel that nothing has been done to slow traffic or protect pedestrians. Several suggest that the road needs speed bumps or other traffic calming tools to prevent future accidents.
Road Safety Issues in Dublin
This crash has brought up wider questions about road safety in Dublin. Scrambler bikes are often used on streets even though they are built for off-road use. There are concerns that these bikes are ridden dangerously by young people and are not always road legal.
In past years, Gardai have seized many scrambler bikes, e-scooters, and quad bikes in Dublin. These vehicles were often being used on public roads in unsafe ways.
Road safety groups have also raised concerns about how often collisions involving powered bikes occur. Some argue that more needs to be done to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety in busy areas.
The Need for Action
Many people think this crash should lead to change. They want better rules for scrambler bikes. They also want safer roads for children and families. There is a call for better enforcement of road laws and more patrols in high-risk areas.
Others say the community needs traffic calming tools. These can include speed bumps, more signs, and stronger rules against illegal riding.
The loss of this young girl has put pressure on local officials and police to act. People want to know what will be done to prevent another death like this.
What Might Happen Next
The Garda investigation will continue in the coming days and weeks. Officers will speak to witnesses, review any camera footage, and gather evidence. The outcome of the investigation will shape any legal action taken.
If the driver is charged, the case could go to court. The court will hear evidence and decide on a legal outcome.
Local councils may also review road safety plans. They might consider new safety features on Ratoath Road and other busy streets.
How the Community Is Remembering Her
Since the accident, tributes have flowed in for the 14‑year-old. Flowers and notes have been left near the crossing where she was hit. Friends and classmates shared messages about her online. Many have spoken about her kindness, her smile, and how much she will be missed.
These gestures show how deeply her death has affected people.
Conclusion
The death of the 14‑year-old girl after a scrambler bike crash in Finglas is a tragic event. It has raised serious questions about road safety in Dublin. Gardai continue to investigate. Local people hope changes will come from this painful moment.
As the city mourns, there is a clear call for safer streets and stronger rules on dangerous vehicles. The girl’s family, friends, and community will remember her always.
