Tralee, Co Kerry – A devastating road accident claimed the life of marathon runner Anila Mucaj (48) on Sunday morning after an SUV veered off the road, mounted a curb, and struck her and two fellow runners along Canal Road in Tralee.
Ms. Mucaj, an active member of the Born to Run Tralee group, was killed instantly when the vehicle ploughed into the group before colliding with a barrier 200 metres further down the road. Her two running companions sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital, though their conditions are not believed to be life-threatening.
The elderly driver of the SUV, who is in his 80s, was also taken to hospital. Authorities are investigating whether a medical episode may have contributed to the accident. He too sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Shock and Grief in the Community
The incident occurred on a narrow road connecting Tralee to Blennerville Bridge, adjacent to a popular canal path frequented by runners, cyclists, and walkers.
Local representatives expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
- TD Michael Healy-Rae described the loss as heartbreaking: “From a human perspective, it is incredibly tragic to see such a devastating incident occur again. As a community, we are deeply saddened by this loss of life.”
- Cllr Sam Locke emphasized the shock within the local running community: “The driver was in his 80s and struck three runners who are regularly out at that time every Sunday. This is a heartbreaking event for everyone involved.”
- Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, extended his condolences: “This is a devastating loss, and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the woman who has tragically passed away. Tralee is a close-knit community, and we will stand together to support those affected.”
Gardaà Appeal for Witnesses
Authorities have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses and any available camera footage, including dash-cam recordings from the area at the time of the collision.
Anyone with information is urged to contact:
📞 Tralee Garda Station: 066 7102300
📞 Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111
📞 Any local Garda station
This tragic incident has left the Tralee community in mourning, with calls for increased road safety measures to prevent further such accidents.
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