THREE women have died and another is seriously injured following a road crash this evening.

The two-vehicle collision happened just outside of Loughill village in Co Limerick at around 6.30pm.

The driver and sole occupant of one car, a woman aged in her 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and a passenger in the second vehicle, also women aged in their 70s, were confirmed to have died at the scene.

A third woman in the second vehicle has been brought to University Hospital Limerick, to be treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Limerick Cllr Adam Teskey told Independent.ie that the community is “utterly devestated” with grief.

“Although, we’re not aware of the full circumstances regarding this accident, we know that three women lost their lives in very tragic circumstances.

“It was just a massive shock to everyone in the locality who are all heartbroken.

“There’s no much more I can add, but except to say my thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families.

“I’m sure the community will rally together and help them in whatever way they can,” he said.

Cllr Stephen Keary told Independent.ie that everyone in Loughill Village is “numb with grief”.

“It’s extremely upsetting for the entire community and I can’t even describe how tragic this is for the victims’ family and friends. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with their love ones during this very sad time.”

Limerick reporter David Hurley told RTE News that gardai are looking into road conditions on the N69, but said it was a relatively dry and bright day in the area. 

“Gardai in Newcastle West will be looking into every aspect into what happened to establish what caused this tragedy. 

“A major investigation will be carried out and the road remains closed this evening.”

The road is closed while a garda forensic collision examination is being carried out, local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this collision or anyone who may have dash cam footage to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069-20650, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Source: Read Full Article