A male driver in his late teens has died following a two-vehicle collision involving a car and truck on the N71 this morning, with gardaí launching an urgent appeal for witnesses and dash cam footage.

The fatal collision occurred on the N71 road between Ballinhassig and Innishannon at approximately 7:15am on Monday morning. The teenage driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The road remains completely closed to facilitate a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions currently in place. The closure is causing significant disruption to one of Cork’s busiest commuter routes into the city.

Witness Appeal

Gardaí are making an urgent appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward immediately. They are particularly interested in speaking to road users who may have camera footage, including dash cam recordings, from vehicles travelling in the area between 7:00am and 7:30am this morning.

The appeal comes as investigators work to piece together exactly what happened during the early morning rush hour collision on the busy Bandon to Cork route.

Investigation Ongoing

The technical examination of the crash site is expected to continue throughout the day, meaning the N71 will remain closed for several more hours. Motorists are being advised to use alternative routes and expect significant delays.

Local diversions have been put in place by Cork County Council, but drivers familiar with the area will know this stretch of the N71 is a crucial link between West Cork and Cork city, making any closure a major inconvenience for commuters.

Anyone with information about this morning’s collision is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.