Gardai in Galway are investigating a traffic accident in Headford which has left two young students dead and two others injured.
The horror accident occurred at Pollacullaire just off the Shrule road on the outskirts of the town in the early hours of this morning.
The victims are understood to be a 13 year old boy and a 14 year old girl - both of whom are local to the area.
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The car is believed to have struck a tree at high speed.
The boy is understood to have been a front-seat passenger in the car and died instantly, while the young girl later died in hospital.
Another 14 year old girl is understood to be in a serious condition and was transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
Meanwhile the driver of the vehicle - a 13 year old boy - is being treated for injuries understood not to be life threatening in nature.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror local councillor Andrew Reddington said: "As a community we're all thinking of the two families who've lost their loved children.
"There's a dark cloud over the community in the Headford area. Each and every person is thinking of the families of the young persons who lost their lives last night and are praying for the people that are in hospital.
"As a community we will rally together to support the families but ask for everyone to respect the families who need to grieve the loss of their children."
It is believed that the accident happened shortly before 5am on a narrow stretch of road at Pollacullaire off the N84 Headford to Ballinrobe road.
Gardai have closed a number of roads close to the scene of the accident and have appealed for witnesses.
"The L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit in Headford is currently closed. The services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested and a technical examination of the scene is currently underway. Local diversions are in place," a garda statement said.
All four teenagers are students at Presentation College Headford and the school's Critical Incident Plan has been activated.
Chairperson of the school’s board of management, Cllr Mary Hoade, said the town is shocked by the accident.
“I am just on my way into the school as the Critical Incident Plan is being implemented. The area is shocked and deeply saddened by the accident.
“It is dreadful what has happened and our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved. It is unbelievable,” she said.
Gardaí in Galway continue to investigate this collision. Gardaí are engaging with the families of all involved and Garda Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) will formally be appointed.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
"Any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling on the L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit in Headford between 5:30am and 6am are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí," a statement continued.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
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