An 18-year-old Irish woman was among three people killed in a high-speed car crash on the Krýsuvíkurvegur road in Iceland in the early hours of Monday, August 31, according to Icelandic authorities investigating the incident. Local media outlet Vísir identified the woman as Hannah Jane Large, who was originally from Greystones, County Wicklow.
Details of the Crash in Iceland
According to reports from Vísir, the BMW carrying the victims veered off the road and crashed onto a lava cliff approximately 30 kilometers south of the capital, Reykjavik. Investigators indicate the vehicle was traveling at approximately 200 km/h when the crash occurred. Two Icelandic passengers in the vehicle, 21-year-old Benjamín Guðmundsson and 16-year-old Arnís Halla, also died in the collision, as reported by Vísir.
Memorial services for the two deceased Icelandic passengers are due to be held this evening. Meanwhile, local reports indicated that Ms. Large’s parents were expected to travel to Iceland to visit her following the tragedy.
Tributes and Official Responses
Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir posted a public tribute on Facebook following the incident. “My thoughts are with the families and friends of the young individuals who died in the tragic accident last night. No words can convey such a loss,” she wrote. “When grief knocks in this way, we are reminded of how precious and fragile life is. Let’s be careful and look out for each other.”
Sam Large, the mother of Hannah Large, responded directly underneath the president’s social media post. “Thank you for the statement. My daughter Hannah from Ireland was one of the victims of this tragedy,” Ms. Large wrote. “She fell in love with your country she loved the people and her last few days were the happiest of her life, that is the only consolation we have and hold onto. We spoke to her that night and she was full of Joy. Tragic she leaves her brother and us behind.”
Local Community and Consular Support
Hannah Large was raised in Greystones, County Wicklow, where she attended St. David’s Holy Faith Secondary School and had recently finished her Leaving Certificate examinations. Local councillor Louise Fenelon Gaskin paid tribute to the teenager, stating to local media that it was a very difficult time for the family and friends.
A spokesperson for Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the agency has been made aware of the case and is providing ongoing consular assistance to the family.
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