Close friends named after e-scooter tragedy
Gilbert Collins (15) left and Avu Idris (17) right died after their e-scooter collided with a bus in Waterford.
The two teenage boys who were tragically killed when an e-scooter that they were travelling on collided with a JJ Kavanagh & Son bus in the early hours of Thursday morning have been named locally as 15-year-old Gilbert Collins and his 17-year-old friend Avu (Avuzwa) Idris.
As their family and friends begin to try to come to terms with the awful tragedy that took place on the main Cork Road close to the Woodlawn Grove area of the city, the two respected youngsters, who were from the Ardmore Park area of Ballybeg, will be remembered as "well-liked" students and "talented" footballers.
It’s believed that both Gilbert and Avu, who were members of the Waterford Crystal and Villa FC football clubs respectively, with the latter winning a recent Under 17A cup final, were returning from an all-night gym when the horrendous accident occurred.
Gilbert, who was a student at St. Paul’s Community College in Lisduggan, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident with his friend Avu, a well-liked student at De La Salle College, later dying in hospital from the injuries that he suffered in the crash.
Many tributes have been paid to the two teens since the news broke of this incomprehensible tragedy with the Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Jason Murphy saying that the deaths are a “stark reminder” of the dangers on the roads.
Cllr. Murphy added: “Our sympathy goes out to the families of these two young boys, but also to the driver of the coach.”
Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Joe Kelly said: “Everybody is absolutely shocked by this accident. It's a terrible thing to happen and it’s another accident involving scooters. Whatever way it happened and whatever the fault, if any, the fact is it's a terrible, terrible tragedy. I'm sure everybody is feeling it.”
Gardai are still investigating the events surrounding the accident and are appealing to witnesses, particularly road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Cork Road in Waterford city between 1.45am and 2.15am, to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
A vigil to remember both boys will be held in Ardmore Park in Ballybeg at 7pm this evening (Friday).
