RTEFive people have died and three others have been injured in a road traffic accident in Dundalk, County Louth.
Gardaí (Irish police) said the three men and two women who died were all under the age of 25 and were traveling in a car that collided with another vehicle on Ardee Road in Gibstown shortly after 9pm local time on Saturday.
It is understood the deceased may have been traveling somewhere to socialize when the accident occurred.
Gardaí said on Sunday morning that “the vehicles and bodies of the deceased remain at the scene.”
Speaking at the scene, Superintendent Charlie Armstrong, said gardaí are investigating the full circumstances of the accident.
And he adds: “Yesterday afternoon, shortly after 9:00 p.m., a serious traffic collision occurred between two vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser.
“Five occupants of the Volkswagen Golf, three men and two women, all in their 20s, died at the scene.
Superintendent Armstrong said another occupant of the Volkswagen Golf, a man in his 20s, was removed and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, for treatment of serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
“The two occupants of the second vehicle, a man and a woman, were also taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, for medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.”
‘Profound impact on families’
Superintendent Armstong asked for privacy for the victims’ families.
“This tragedy, with the loss of five young adults, will have a profound impact on local families and communities in Carrickmacross, Dromconrath and Scotland,” he said.
“This is a shocking and devastating event for these families, their communities and the community here in Dundalk.”
He also praised his Garda colleagues and other emergency services who attended the scene last night.
“The scene was very difficult, in adverse weather conditions and the professionalism shown by all the first responders and the care and respect shown to the five deceased was exemplary,” Superintendent Armstrong said.
Gardaí said the road remains closed between the N52 and the R171, pending a technical examination by Garda forensic collision investigators.
Local traffic detours have been implemented.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed this collision to contact them.
‘Thoughts and prayers with the families’
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said he is “stunned and shocked by the horrific road accident.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these young people and with those injured.
“We also think of our first responders, who worked so professionally in truly devastating circumstances.”
Fianna Fáil councilor Shane McGuinness said he lives near the scene of the accident.
“It is a very dangerous stretch of road, with bad bends and no street lighting,” he told BBC News NI.
“Last night the weather was very bad.
“This is a true tragedy and I send my deepest 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 affected by the “horrible” accident in Gibstown last night.
The Sinn Féin MP said the “appalling and shocking news” has left the area stunned.
“It is heartbreaking, horrible and tragic for the loved ones of those who lost their lives and for those who were taken to hospital.”
He also said he was thinking about emergency services.
“I am appealing to anyone with information about the accident or who has dash cam footage to contact Gardaí as soon as possible.
“There are difficult and dark days ahead for families and friends who have lost loved ones, but I know that all of Louth will support them in every way possible as they face this unimaginable tragedy,” he said.
