Five dead following two-vehicle crash in County Louth
RTE5 people died and 3 people were injured in a traffic accident that occurred in Dundalk district of County Louth.
Gardaí (Irish police) said the three men and two women who died were all under the age of 25 and that a car collided with another vehicle on Gibstown’s Ardee Road just after 9pm local time on Saturday.
It was understood that the deceased may have been going somewhere to socialize when the accident occurred.
Gardaí said on Sunday morning that “the vehicles and bodies of the deceased all remained at the scene”.
Speaking at the scene, Supt Charlie Armstrong said gardaí were investigating the full circumstances of the crash.
He added: “Just after 9pm yesterday evening there was a serious traffic accident involving two vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser.
“Five passengers of the Volkswagen Golf, three men and two women in their early 20s, died at the scene.
Supt Armstrong said the passenger of the Volkswagen Golf, a male in his 20s, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment of serious non-life-threatening injuries.
“Two occupants of the second vehicle, a man and a woman, were also taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for medical treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.”
‘Deep impact on families’
Supt Armstong requested privacy for the victim’s families.
“This tragedy, which resulted in the loss of five young adults, will have a profound impact on families and local communities in Carrickmacross, Dromconrath and across Scotland,” he said.
“This is a shocking, devastating incident for these families, their community and the community in Dundalk.”
He also paid tribute to his Garda colleagues and other emergency services who attended the scene last night.
Supt Armstrong said: “The incident 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 were exemplary.” he said.
Fianna Fáil Councilor Shane McGuinness said he lived close to the crash scene.
“It’s a very dangerous road with bad bends and no public lighting,” he told BBC News NI. he said.
“The weather was very bad last night.
“This is a true tragedy and I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the victims,” he said.
Gardaí said the road between the N52 and R171 remains closed pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
Local traffic diversions are available.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who witnessed this collision to contact them.
