Five people in their 20s have died and three others have been injured following a two-car crash in Co Louth last night.
The group were travelling to the Dundalk area for a night out when the crash occurred.
The three men and two women died in the collision between a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Landcruiser on the L3168, Gibstown in Dundalk just after 9pm.
Five occupants of the Volkswagen Golf died at the scene. Another occupant of the car, a male in his 20s, was removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda for treatment of serious, non-life threatening, injuries.
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The two occupants of the second vehicle, a male and a female, were also taken to the same hospital for treatment for non-life threatening injuries.
Four of the deceased are from Ireland. Two are from Dromconrath in Co Meath, one from Carrickmacross, Co Louth and another, a girlfriend of one of the men in the car, was visiting from Scotland.
Supt Charlie Armstrong of Dundalk Garda station said the deaths will have a “deep impact on families and local communities” in those areas along with Dundalk.
In a statement, President Catherine Connolly said she was “deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of five precious young lives in Louth last night.
“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 Micheál Martin said he was “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 Simon Harris said a “veil of deep sadness and shock” had come over the country with the news.
“This morning, my thoughts and I know the thoughts of people right across our country are with the families of those who have lost loved ones, their friends, and their communities” and expressed his thanks to emergency responders.
Supt Armstrong also expressed his gratitude to his colleagues who attended the scene last night and the other emergency services including Dundalk fire brigade, HSE paramedics and staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
“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,” he said.
Dundalk TD Ruairí Ó Murchú (SF) said “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.”
The L3168 is closed between the N52 and the R171, which is preserved pending a technical examination by Garda forensic collision investigators. Diversions are in place. The L3168 was formerly the main Ardee to Dundalk road.
Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to each of the families to provide support and gardaí will keep the families updated as to the course of the ongoing investigation.
The deaths were announced on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Victims. They bring to 157 the number of people who have died on Irish roads this year compared to 148 last year.
Of the 152 other people who have died in road incidents this year, 59 were drivers, 36 were pedestrians, 28 were motorcyclists and 13 were passengers in vehicles. Some 13 pedal cyclists were killed alone with two E-scooter drivers or passengers and one pillion passenger.
Road safety campaign group Parc said it is “heartbreaking to see that we have another five people lose their lives on the roads”.
Chairwoman Susan Gray said that of the 157 who have died 50 are aged 30 or younger.
“Fifty young people have been killed, who should have had their whole lives ahead of them. Now their families will be visiting them in their graves. That is the tragic reality,” she said.
Supt Armstrong appealed for anyone with information who was on the L3168 between 8.30pm and 9.15pm last night to contact the Garda Investigation Team on 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
