Irish teacher killed in car crash after pushing 6-year-old girl to safety

Dawn Croke declared dead at scene after being hit by white Ford Range Rover

Ireland’s Garda police force are investigating the fatal collision and say the driver of the car was not injured (RTE)

A teacher and mother-of-two was killed in a car crash after pushing a six-year-old girl to safety just before she was hit.

Dawn Croke, who was in her early 30s, was declared dead at the scene on the grounds of St Crona's National School in County Donegal, Ireland, on Thursday evening.

Ms Croke was with her partner Paddy McHugh and his six-year-old daughter on the school grounds when a white Range Rover drove towards the group.

It is understood that the teacher managed to push the child away from the moving car but but took the brunt of the impact herself.

Ms Croke was killed instantly, while the the six-year-old girl was left injured and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital.

Police said an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

The driver of the car was not injured, according to Ireland's Garda police force.

Ms Croke was a teacher at the Rosses Community School in County Donegal, which was closed on Friday following the teacher's death.

A statement by the school read: "Our school wish to send our love and support to the family, school and local community at this sad time.

"We, the school community, remember with love and fondness our colleague Dawn. We pray for the family and friends at this sad time."

A spokesperson from the Garda said: "Gardaí are investigating a fatal traffic collision at Chapel Road, Dungloe, County Donegal at 6.30pm on 10 January.

"A woman in her 30s was fatally injured when she was struck by a car.

"A six-year-old girl was also injured and has been taken to University Hospital Letterkenny.

"The driver of the car was not injured."