Five Young People Killed in County Louth Road Crash
Five people died and others were injured in a two-vehicle collision in County Louth, Ireland, last night. The crash occurred between the N52 and the R171, near Gibstown. Gardaí (Irish police) have closed the road pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and local traffic diversions are in place. Authorities are appealing for witnesses too come forward.
The victims are described as young people, and the tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief from political leaders and community members.Irish President Catherine Connolly stated she was “deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of five precious young lives,” adding, “I am thinking of them, their families and of those injured.” Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said he was “numbed and shocked at the horrific road crash,” and expressed his thoughts and prayers for the families, friends, and first responders. Tanaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris described a “veil of deep sadness and shock” over the country.
Local councillor Shane McGuinness, who lives near the accident site, noted the road is “a very dangerous stretch of road, with bad bends and no public lighting,” and that the weather conditions last night were poor. Dundalk TD (member of parliament) ruairí Ó Murchú said the news was “heartbreaking, awful and tragic” for the families and friends of the victims, and acknowledged the impact on the wider Louth community.
The examination is ongoing.
