Man killed in horror Limerick crash suspected to be ‘hired assassin on way to carry out hit’ amid new passport details

GARDAI believe a man who died in a horror car crash this week was a hired assassin on his way to carry out a hit, The Irish Sun can reveal.

The suspected contract killer was a rear-seat passenger in a Seat Leon that collided with two other vehicles in Limerick on Monday night.

Investigators seized a loaded firearm from the car, which had crashed on the N21, between Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West at 11pm.

The Irish Sun has learned that the dead man held a Swedish passport, however inquiries are ongoing to establish whether he may be originally from another country.

The driver of the Seat Leon, who left his phone behind in the car, fled the scene on foot and his whereabouts are still unknown.

The major investigation into the incident is ongoing as cops build a picture of the pair’s time in the country. 

A source told The Irish Sun: “The gardai certainly believe the individual who died was on his way to try and kill someone, there’s no doubt about that.

“It had gone completely under the radar and had they not crashed, he may well have got to carry out the hit.

“A number of inquiries are being made to establish his and the driver’s background, how long they were here and where, who they were in contact with and so on.

“Obviously the search for the driver is ongoing but he has totally gone off the radar.”

The three occupants of the two other cars involved in the crash on Monday were treated in hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

The dead man’s body has undergone a post-mortem examination.

Gardai are liasing with police forces abroad as part of the investigation.

Officers tracing the Seat Leon’s movements, which had the reg of KV12-KHP, are appealing for anyone who saw it in Kerry, Limerick and north Cork between Sunday and Monday to come forward.

A spokesman said: “The driver of the first car left the scene on foot and Gardaí are seeking to identify this person. A firearm was recovered at scene from the vehicle and will be subject to further technical and ballistic analysis.

“Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have seen the first vehicle, a Seat Leon with the registration plate KV12-KHP in the Kerry, Limerick and Cork North areas between Sunday 7th June 2026 and Monday 8th June 2026 to come forward.

“Gardai are particularly interested in speaking with any business premises that may have provided accommodation to any occupants of this vehicle, as well as service stations where occupants of the vehicle may have obtained petrol.

“Gardai are also continuing to appeal to road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N21 from Newcastle West towards Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick between 11pm and 11:30pm on Monday 8th June 2026 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”