João Henrique: Brazilian mayor Anderson Farias’ son had his leg severed after being hit by a Garda car on the M50
Gardaí were responding to reports of a stolen motorcycle in south Dublin when the incident occurred
Gardaí were responding to reports of a stolen motorcycle in south Dublin when the incident occurred on the motorway slip road in Tallaght on Saturday afternoon.
The Garda Ombudsman is currently conducting an independent investigation into the collision in which the Brazilian national lost part of his right leg.
The man named João Henrique is the son of Anderson Farias, the mayor of São José dos Campos, near São Paolo.
He has lived in Ireland for around five years and works as a delivery driver.
Gardaí were initially alerted to an armed robbery in the Kilgobbin Wood area of Sandyford on Saturday afternoon.
Several youths armed with hammers were said to have been involved in a motorcycle theft before fleeing the scene.
It was equipped with a tracking device and the owner, along with several friends, including Mr Henrique, followed the stolen bike.
Damaged car
It is understood gardaí recovered it near the Tallaght junction and a man has been arrested.
The group following the motorcycle stopped near the highway entrance ramp shortly after 3:15 p.m. They were next to the metal guardrail when João Henrique was hit by a Garda car.
A source told sundayworld.com João suffered serious leg injuries after being trapped between the vehicle and the guardrail in the outside lane.
The exact circumstances under which the collision occurred are currently being investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc).
São José dos Campos Mayor Anderson Farias confirmed that his son was injured in a collision.
He wrote on social media: “It is with deep sadness that I announce that my son Joao Henrique has suffered a serious accident in Ireland and is undergoing a second operation in hospital.”
Mr Farias said his wife traveled here to support their son, while thanking people for their support.
A senior source told the Irish Independent that the 23-year-old, who works as a delivery driver, had part of his right leg amputated at the knee as a result of the collision.
“This is a terrible incident for everyone involved and the matter is now with Gsoc to conduct its own independent investigation,” a source said.
Gardaí have appealed for images showing the accident victim not to be shared on social media.
“Out of respect for the victim involved in this collision, we ask that you do not distribute or share this image,” a spokesman said.
In a statement, Gsoc said it wanted to speak to any witnesses who may have witnessed the incident, activity or interactions at that time and location.
“Gsoc received a referral from An Garda Síochána following a road traffic collision on the M50 on Saturday afternoon, October 28th.
“The referral was made by a Garda Superintendent under section 102(1) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
“The matter is currently being investigated by Gsoc under section 91 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
“As the matter remains under review, Gsoc will have no further comment at this time.”
