Laois family suffers 'heartbreaking loss' after boy's death in Portlaoise collision

"With deep sorrow, we share the heartbreaking loss of our little son, Aaron".

Those were the devastatingly sad words used by Irina Novikova on social media to announce the death of her son Aaron Hussain in Kilminchy after what Gardaí say was a 'fatal road traffic collision' in the vicinity of Lake Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

Aaron was the five-year-old son of Tauqir Hussain, who runs The Classic Barber on Lyster Square in Portlaoise, and Irina who runs Lashes, a beauty business in Kea Lew Business Park Portlaoise. 

Tauqir, a native of Pakistan, and Irina, from Lithuania, had made their home in Portlaoise where they had been living for several years. 

Former Laois County Council local election candidate Naeem Iqbal is a friend of the family. Aaron was a junior infant pupil of Portlaoise Educate Together National School.

"We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Aaron Hussain. May Allah (SWT) give patience and strength to his family during this difficult time. More below picture.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones, Father Tauqir Hussain & mother Irina Novikova. May Allah (SWT) shower him with mercy and grant his family peace and comfort," he posted on social media.

Mr Iqbal said the family has received huge support in Laois since the tragedy for which the family are extremely grateful. 

A Garda investigation into what led to the death of the boy is continuing. A Garda statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said they attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision with emergency services in the big Kilminchy estate which is located off the Dublin Road after a collision at about 4.20pm involving a pedestrian and a car. MORE BELOW POST.

They said a male pedestrian, aged 5, was removed from the scene to Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in a serious condition. He was pronounced deceased a short time later. A woman aged in his 40s was not injured.

Lake Avenue closed overnight to allow a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators on Sunday, February, 22.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in Kilminchy between 4 pm and 5 pm on Saturday are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised but Mr Iqbal said it is expected that Aaron will be laid to rest on Friday, February 28 in Portlaoise.