The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has launched an investigation into the use of a drone near the scene of Friday's fatal crash in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
It comes amid anger from locals and concerns that it could have hindered the emergency operation that was underway at the time.
The IAA says the use of a drone was 'an invasion of privacy and posed a flight safety risk'.
In a statement issued overnight, it said the activity is in direct contravention of drone regulations, adding that remote pilots and drone operators are required by European regulation to avoid areas where an emergency response effort is ongoing.
The authority says this is 'safety critical' as it could hinder possible aerial support.
It says it's maintaining contact with Gardaí on the matter and expressed its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the four young people who died in the tragic accident.
A separate Garda investigation into the road crash on Friday evening continues.
2RMAYRR 2RMAYRR People attend a vigil in Kickham Plaza, Co Tipperary, in memory of Luke McSweeney, 24, his 18-year-old sister Grace McSweeney, Zoey Coffey and Nicole Murphy, both also 18, who died while on the way to celebrate exam results after the car they were travelling in struck a wall and overturned in Clonmel on Friday. Picture date: Sunday August 27, 2023.18-year-olds Grace McSweeney, Zoey Coffey and Nicola Murphy, and Grace's 24-year-old brother Luke, all died in the collision last Friday evening.
They were travelling to celebrate the three young women's Leaving Certificate results.
Their funerals will take place this week.
