Toddler dies after he is hit by van in driveway of his Donegal home

22-month-old killed in incident at house in Letterkenny yesterday evening

The front of a property in Co Donegal where a young boy was killed last night. The van seen in picture belongs to the emergency services. Photograph: Brian McDaid
The front of a property in Co Donegal where a young boy was killed last night. The van seen in picture belongs to the emergency services. Photograph: Brian McDaid

A toddler has been killed in a tragic accident at his home in Co Donegal.

The 22-month-old boy was playing in the garden of his home at Crieve Glebe, Letterkenny yesterday evening when he was struck by a van.

It is understood the van was entering the boy’s home when it struck him at around 6.45pm.

The little boy was taken to Letterkenny General Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

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The child has been named today as Joshua Coyle, the son of Alex Coyle and Susanna Mangan.

It is understood the couple have two other children.

Garda forensics officers are at the scene this morning but it is understood the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.

The little boy’s house is located on a quiet country road on the outskirts of Letterkenny.

Local county councillor Gerry McMonagle said the tragedy has numbed the local community.

“Any loss of life in such circumstances in tragic but when it happens to a young child it is even more painful.

“As a grandfather myself I was shocked when I heard this news and my heart goes out to the parents and relatives of this little boy,” he said.

A postmortem is due to take place today. His remains are due to be taken back to his parent’s home to be waked.