A two-year-old boy has died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run in Rathkeale, County Limerick, Ireland, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 6, 2026, and the child was reportedly playing with a toy tractor at the time, as reported by Metro.co.uk.
The boy has been named in local reports, with the Irish Independent describing him as "a little angel." Gardaí, the Irish national police service, have released a man in connection with the incident, according to the same outlet. The child was initially hospitalised after being hit, as reported by The Irish Times, but later died from his injuries.
The community of Rathkeale is said to be "in shock" over the death, according to RTE.ie. The BBC also confirmed the death, reporting that the two-year-old died following the hit-and-run in Limerick. The specific circumstances leading up to the collision have not been fully detailed in the available reports, and authorities have not yet released further information on the driver involved.
This tragic event has drawn attention to road safety in the small Irish town, with local residents and officials expressing grief over the loss of such a young life. The investigation into the hit-and-run is ongoing, and Gardaí are continuing to piece together the events of that morning.
What to watch next: Further statements from Gardaí on potential charges and the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the driver's identity and actions.
