Hurricane Ophelia claims first victim: woman driver killed by falling tree

A female motorist was killed this morning when a falling tree crashed on top of her car.

The tragic victim is believed to be the first fatality of Hurricane Ophelia.

Authorities have now increased their calls for people to stay off the road and get indoors.

The woman died tragically in the horror incident at Aglish, Co Waterford.

Her death was confirmed by Waterford County Council.

It reported that she was in her car when a tree or a large section of the tree, like a heavy branch, fell on her car.

It is understood that a part of the tree went through a windscreen in the victim’s car.

The victim died at the scene and and was from the local area.

The initial reports wrongly stated that the victim's age and claimed that she was the sole occupant of the car.

However, gardai have now corrected this information.

A Garda spokesman said: "Gardai are at scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred outside Aglish village on the R671 this morning at 11.40am.

"A female driver (50s) was fatally injured when the car she was driver was struck by a falling tree.

"A female passenger (70s) was injured and has been removed to Waterford Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  Emergencies services are still at scene.

"Gardai urge all road users to remain indoors and not to travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary."