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Gardaí (Irish police) at the scene of fatal road crash near Dundalk in County Louth
Five people have died and three others have been injured in a road crash in Dundalk in County Louth.
Gardaí (Irish police) said the three men and two women who died were all under the age of 25 and were travelling in a car which collided with another vehicle on the Ardee Road at Gibstown just after 21:00, local time, on Saturday.
Speaking at the scene Supt Charlie Armstrong said: “This is a shocking, devastating event for these families, their communities and the community here in Dundalk.”
It is understood that the young people who died may have been travelling to a location to socialise when the crash occurred.
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Supt Charlie Armstrong speaking to the media near the scene
Supt Charlie Armstrong, said gardaí are investigating all the circumstances of the crash.
“This is a shocking, devastating event for these families, their communities and the community here in Dundalk,” he said.
He added: “Yesterday evening just after 21:00 there was a serious road traffic collision involving two vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser.
“Five occupants of the Volkswagen Golf, three males and two females all in their early 20s, were deceased at the scene.
Supt Armstrong said another occupant of the Volkswagen Golf, a male in his 20s, was removed and brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, for treatment of serious non-life-threatening injuries.
“The two occupants of the second vehicle, a male and a female, were also taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, for medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.”
‘Deep impact on families’
Gardaí said on Sunday that the cars and bodies remain at scene awaiting forensic examination.
Supt Armstrong appealed for privacy for the victims’ families.
“This tragedy, with the loss of five young adults will have a deep impact on families and local communities in Carrickmacross, Dromconrath and in Scotland,” he said.
He also commended his garda colleagues and other emergency service who attended the scene last night.
“The scene was very difficult, in adverse weather conditions and the professionalism shown by all first responders and the care and respect shown to the five deceased was exemplary,” Supt Armstrong said.
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Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them
Gardaí said the road remains closed between the N52 and the R171, pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
Local traffic diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
‘Deeply saddened and shocked’
Irish President Catherine Connolly said she is “deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of five precious young lives in Louth last night”.
She added: “I am thinking of them, their families and of those injured.
“May I acknowledge also all those first responders who have worked to support all involved.”
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said he is “numbed and shocked at the horrific road crash”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these young people, and those injured.
“We also think of our first responders, who worked so professionally in truly devastating circumstances.”
Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris said: “A veil of deep sadness and shock has come over our country this morning.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Shane McGuinness said he lives close to the scene of the accident.
“It is a very dangerous stretch of road, with bad bends and no public lighting,” he told BBC News NI.
“The weather was very bad last night.
“This is a real tragedy and I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims,” he said.
Dundalk TD (member of parliament) Ruairí Ó Murchú said his heart goes out to the families and friends impacted by the ‘horrific’ crash at Gibstown last night.
The Sinn Féin deputy said the “dreadful and shocking news” has stunned the area.
“It is heartbreaking, awful and tragic for the loved ones of those who have lost their lives and for those who have been taken to hospital.”
He also said he was thinking about the emergency services.
“There are difficult and dark days ahead for the families and friends who have lost loved ones but I know that the whole of Louth will carry them and support them in every way possible as they face this unimaginable tragedy,” he said.
