Investigation underway after stolen van crashes near Athlone school

Gardai in Athlone are investigating an incident in which two people stole a van from a housing estate this morning (Thursday), and then crashed it near a local secondary school.

The incident unfolded at around 9am. It's understood that a tradesman was working in the Auburn Heights area when his van was stolen by two males who then drove it along the busy Retreat Road.

The van subsequently crashed at the bridge over the railway tracks, beside the Marist College secondary school, and the two men who had stolen it made their getaway on foot.

Sergeant Andrew Haran of Athlone Garda Station said there had been no injuries reported as a result of the traffic collision this morning.

He said Gardai were investigating the theft of the van, and were viewing camera footage relating to it.