An elderly man has died after a three-car pile-up on one of Ireland's busiest roads on Thursday.
Three cars were involved in the crash on the M6 westbound between Junction 18 and Junction 19 in Co Galway at around 2pm in the afternoon.
Gardai and emergency services rushed to the area but the driver of one of the cars, a man in his 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The drivers of the other two cars, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 20s, were taken to University Hospital Galway.
They are currently undergoing treatment for injuries which are understood to be non-life-threatening.
Gardai have closed the stretch of motorway as they carry out an investigation of the scene and local diversions are in place.
They are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward.
A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí are currently at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision involving three cars, on the M6 westbound between Junction 18 and Junction 19 at approximately 2pm this afternoon, Thursday 20th January 2022.
"The driver of one of the cars, a man in his 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"A male in his 70s and female in her 20s were taken to University Hospital Galway to be treated for their injuries which are understood to be non-life threatening.
"The road is currently closed to allow for a technical examination to be undertaken by Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions are in place.
"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and any road users with video footage is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Garda station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station."
