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McManus also described the aftermath of the crash as "horrific" for the officers who attended the scene.
McManus said gardaí who attended the scene could require counselling for "months or years" to deal with the psychological impact of what they witnessed.
Leo Lieghio, vice president of the Irish Road Victims Association, has called for greater urgency in tackling road deaths.
Lieghio's 16-year-old daughter, Marsia, was knocked down by a driver travelling at 50mph at a pedestrian crossing in Dublin in 2005. She died in hospital six days later.
He said the families of those killed and injured will be experiencing "torment".
"Their lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. They will be going through hell."
Lieghio added that there needs to be a stronger focus on consequences and early intervention, particularly for dangerous or criminal behaviour on the roads.
"We should be looking at structured intervention, something that teaches responsibility," he said.
Lieghio called for a "reform programme" aimed at young people involved in criminal activity on the roads, alongside greater responsibility from drivers and the wider public.
There have been 123 road deaths in the Republic of Ireland so far in 2026, 18 more than at the same point in 2025., external
"We all have a responsibility on our roads, and if we see something wrong happening, we should be reporting it. We need consequences for a change of behaviour," he said.
Lieghio said each death has consequences that extend far beyond the person who loses their life.
"I can imagine what's going on in those hospitals now. I sat beside my daughter's bed for six days, praying and hoping for something to change, but she couldn't fight anymore," he said.
