Young doctor loses life in freak Mayo accident

A young doctor has died in what is believed to have been a freak drowning accident.

Dr. Farah Ahmed, who was attached to Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, lost her life late last night when the car she was driving ended up in a river.

The 30-year-old was dead when taken from the partly submerged vehicle at what is known as Hoban’s car park, which is adjacent to the Castlebar River.

Gardai believe that Dr. Ahmed was reversing at the time and her car, which breached a safety barrier, ended up in the water.

The river, which drains Lough Lannagh, is particularly swollen at the moment due to recent heavy rainfall.

Shortly before midnight, gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a car in the river.

Dr. Ahmed was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her body was removed to Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem is due to take place.

Shocked medical colleagues at the hospital are being comforted this evening on the loss of the popular young medic.

A minute's silence was held during a public meeting at Mayo University Hospital today as a mark of respect to the deceased.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Any road users who were in the area between 10 p.m. and midnight, who may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make it available to gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station on 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.