Councillor describes a 'sad day' after two die and one is injured in early-morning crash

Cllr Liam Callaghan offered his sympathies to the families of the man in his 20s and woman in her 30s, who died after the early morning smash on the R293 between Ballaghadereen and Gorteen at 3.30am.

He also said he hopes the third person caught up the tragedy, a man, also in his 20s, who was rushed to Castlebar Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, makes a speedy recovery.

“This is a very day to wake up to the news that two young people have lost their lives in this accident,” Cllr Callaghan said.

“I offer my sympathies and that of the community to the families involved. We hope the third person in this accident makes a full recovery."

Cllr Callaghan also paid tribute to the emergency services and gardai "for their support in what was a tragic event”.

The crash site was closed for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators this morning while local diversions were put in place.

Gardai said earlier that a man in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene while a woman in her 30s was rushed by ambulance to Castlebar Hospital where she later died

The third victim, a male also in his 20s, was taken to Castlebar Hospital where his injuries are believed to be not life-threatening.

“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward,” gardai said.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R293 at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castelrea Garda Station on 094-9621630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.