Elderly Laois couple remain in hospital as search for driver continues

A man fled from a two car crash in Laois which left an elderly couple in hospital with serious injuries at the weekend.

The injured man who is in his 80s and his passenger who is in her 70s were rushed to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore, Co Offaly following the collision at Moat, Ballinakill, on Friday, July 31. They remained in serious condition in hospital today.

The Leinster Express understands the other car which was involved in the collision was reported as being stolen in Laois on Friday.

Gardaí are trying to identify the driver of the car and have established an incident room at Abbeyleix Garda Station.

They are appealing for witnesses following the serious crash on the L7797 near Moat, Ballinakill on Friday, July 31 at 10:15pm.

Local Councillor John Joe Fennelly said there was deep shock in the area following the crash as the couple who were injured live close to the scene of the collision and would be very popular.

“I would know them(the couple) very well, lovely couple, absolute salt of the earth,” he said.

Cllr Fennelly said the couple are from a farming background and would be very well known and liked in the area. He said his thoughts and prayers go out to the couple and their family.

“With the help of God they will make a full recovery,” said Cllr Fennelly.

In a statement over the weekend, Gardaí said, “the driver of the second car left the scene and Gardaí are seeking to identify this person.”

They temporarily closed the road while Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carried out an examination.

Gardaí appealed to “road users who were travelling in the vicinity of the L7797 Moat, Ballinakill between 10pm and 11pm on Friday 31st July 2026 and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station on (057) 873 0580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.