Heartbreak as woman, 21, suffers life-changing injuries in ‘horrific’ crash

A 21-year-old woman has suffered life-changing injuries after being involved in a horror car crash on her way to work.

Kayla Shorten, from Dunmanway, Co. Cork, was working in a pharmacy in November when the “horrific” incident took place.

She initially spent weeks in ICU followed by months in the GA ward of Cork University Hospital.

The young woman was taken to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin in April for further care.

She will remain there until she can return home at the end of August.

Kayla’s family have told how her accident was a “huge blow” to the small community, who have rallied around her in support since the incident.

They said: “Kayla is a much-loved young woman with her kindness and wonderful sense of humour quickly making her a favourite to everyone she meets.

“The well wishes and kindness shown has been hugely appreciated by her and her family.”

The family have set up a fundraiser in order to achieve their “next big milestone” and get the young woman home after months of being away.

They continued: “Kayla has shown amazing courage and bravery in her journey so far, she does however still have a long road of work ahead.

“The next big milestone is to get Kayla home and this is where we need your help!”

The 21-year-old will need an adapted vehicle in the future in order to ensure she can continue with outpatient treatments at home

The family said: “All monies received will go towards the vehicle and future needs and expenses for Kayla. Your help will be appreciated more than you can know.”

The ‘Please Help Bring Kayla Home’ GoFundMe has so far raised a whopping €20,700 out of the €50,000 goal through 352 donations.

You can contribute to the cause by donating to the fundraiser online.

CARLOW CRASH

Separately, a woman has died and two men have been seriously injured following a crash in Carlow yesterday.

The horror smash, involving a van and a car, occurred on the N80 in Ballintrane.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene at 5.50pm.

The driver of the car, a woman aged in her 30s, was treated at the scene but passed away from her injuries.

Two men travelling in the van were both airlifted to hospital and are currently being treated for serious injuries.

Gardai are asking anyone with information or dash-cam footage to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tullow Garda Station on 059 915 1222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”