A young man has died in an accident involving a bus in Longford town this evening - just a year after he tragically lost his older brother in a single vehicle road crash.
Martin McDonnell, 19, was fatally injured at around 6pm at the Convent Road area of the midlands town.
Gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save the Longford man who was pronounced dead a short time later.
READ MORE: Heartbroken brother of Irishman, 23, killed in crash tells funeral family are 'broken'
Tributes last night flooded in on social media as friends and family of the young man spoke of their anguish as news of the tragedy filtered through.
"It really is a cruel world we live in," wrote one friend. "RIP Martin, your back with your brother Ciaran this evening side by side again."
Another simply wrote: "Gone too soon brother, you’ll be missed. Praying for your family at this sad time.” The scene itself was cordoned off pending a full Garda Forensic Collision investigation.
Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan expressed his shock upon learning of the tragedy. "It's a tragedy at any time of the year, but especially so with it being Easter week," he said.
"On behalf of the Longford community I would like to take this opportunity to extend deepest sympathies to the family of the young man."
Tragically, Mr McDonnell lost his older brother, Ciaran (23) on New Year's Day last year after the car he was driving was found partially submerged in water off the main road between Granard and Ballinalee (R194).
The young Longford man even spoke at his funeral mass as he fought back tears to reveal how he and his family were still struggling to come to terms with news of the tragedy.
“I don’t even know where to start,” he told mourners. Our hearts are broken into pieces. You were one of a kind and you were my best friend.”
He said despite the enormity of the past few days, the memory of his late brother would continue to live on. I promise you I will do you proud,” he added.
“You are my hero and I will always love you. You were simply the best. You will be missed and you will always be in our hearts.”
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