Laois boy's death a 'terrible tragedy' for Portlaoise school

Aaron Hussain was a 'cherished' pupil of Portlaoise Educate Together National School, whose death represents a 'terrible tragedy' for the school according to its Principal.

Mr Darach Kennedy paid poignant tribute to Aaron, who was a junior infant pupil, in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live in which he confirmed that support has been sought for the Portlaoise school.

“We learned over the weekend of the death of one of our students. This is a tragedy for the student’s family, our school and our community. We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with the student’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“The student was a popular and cherished member of our school community and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

“Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service have been with us supporting and advising staff in their efforts to assist our students at this time. “Our staff have been helping our students to deal with this tragic event and will continue to do so,” he said.

He asked for the privacy of the family and school to be respected at this time.

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.

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 crash at about 4.20pm involving a pedestrian and a car. 

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.

READ ALSO: HEARTBREAKING LOSS OF LITTLE ANGEL

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.