Tara Beacom, her partner, Algis and two young children, Teegan (4) and AJ (1) were travelling to Rossnowlagh Beach when they were struck by a white Ford Transit van at Lisacholly on the Ballyshannon Road.

The driver of the van fled the scene following the crash, leaving Tara and her family stranded in the middle of the road in their Nissan Qashqai car. The van was then found stranded about 500 metres from where the accident occurred and the driver was reported to have fled on foot. 

Tara said: “I do not know how we walked away from the accident. We were driving along, and as we were coming round a corner, a van was on the wrong side of the road and I tried to swerve left, but  next thing I know, me and my family are tumbling in the air.”

The force of the smash caused the car to be tossed to the other side of the road and the family has suffered minor injuries including glass wounds and bruises.

“We are all really sore, but we are alive. It was just such a shock.”

 Despite the horrific accident, Tara and her family were touched by the kindness of a man in a BMW who came to their aid. 

“A man came along and helped us, he was an absolute hero as he and my partner managed to break the windows and get the children out of the car. He was along with his girlfriend who was a nurse and I am so grateful to them. 

“I owe them my life because if they had not have come along, we could have been hit again because we were right in the middle of a corner. They then rang an ambulance and waited with us until we were seen too.”

Tara continued, “we just want to find out who done this to us and why they left my family.”

A spokesman from Ballyshannon Gardai Station said: “Around 11.55am on Sunday, there was collision between a car and a van at Lisacholly, Ballyshannon. The four occupants of the car sustained minor injuries, while the driver of the van left the scene prior to the arrival of the Gardai. Investigations are currently ongoing. If there was anyone travelling that road, from Belleek to Ballyshannon and has any information, they are urged to get in contact with the Gardai in Ballyshannon, or Crimestoppers on 1800 250025.”