Delivery driver (40s) dies after accidentally reversing into Grand Canal in Co Kildare

Tomas Doherty

A delivery driver has died after he accidentally reversed his car into the Grand Canal in Co Kildare and drowned.

The Irish Times reported that the man, a local in his 40s, made a takeaway delivery of food to a caravan based near the canal.

As he went to leave, it is believed he reversed his car in the dark into the water.

The incident occurred at about 8pm on Saturday at Grangeclare West, Kilmeague.

The man was recovered from the water and treated by crew from the National Ambulance Service. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body has been removed from the scene and a postmortem will take place.

The scene is being held for examination by forensic collision investigators and the Garda Water Unit. Access along the canal at this location has been restricted.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Several locals heard the splash as the car went into the water, but to date there has been no eyewitnesses to the tragedy, The Irish Times said.

Anyone with any information is asked to Naas Garda Station on 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.