Newport crash victim identified

DNA tests have positively identified the body found by firemen in a burnt out car near Newport early on Saturday morning as that of Dubliner Mark McKenna, who had recently moved to the area.

Mr. McKenna, who was single and in his early 30s, died on Saturday morning when his Saab car, which he had recently purchased, went out of control at Cuilmore on the Castlebar to Newport (R311) road.

The car was burnt beyond all recognition after bursting into flames when it left the road and crashed into a tree. The tragedy occurred around 1.30 a.m. Fire crews from Westport and Castlebar fought the blaze but there was nothing they could do to save Mr. McKenna.

The deceased had a local address at The Quay, Westport.

A post mortem is due to be conducted today (Wednesday) at the mortuary of Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar.