FIVE YOUNG PEOPLE have died following a collision in Co Louth yesterday evening.

The crash, which involved a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Landcruiser, occurred shortly after 9pm on the L3168 in the townland of Gibstown, Dundalk.

Gardaí have since confirmed that five people travelling in the Golf, three men and two women aged in their 20s, died in the collision, and three others were injured.

The deceased were from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan and Drumconrath in Co Meath, as well as one woman from Scotland.

All five of the deceased were travelling in the same car, as well as another man in his 20s who was injured in the collision.

Two people travelling in the Toyota Landcruiser, a man and a woman in their 20s, were also injured.

Gardaí remain at the scene of the collision. PA PA

All three injured people have been taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for treatment of their injuries, which are understood to not be life threatening.

Gardaí remain at scene, and local diversions remain in place.

Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to each of the families to provide support and gardaí have said that they will keep the families updated as to the course of the ongoing investigation.

An incident room has been established at Dundalk Garda Station and an investigation has commenced under a senior investigating officer.

Local garda Superintendent Charlie Armstrong described the incident as a “tragedy”.

Superintendent Charlie Armstrong speaking to the media near the scene of the crash. PA PA

“I want to express my condolences and sympathies and the sympathies of every member of An Garda Síochána to the families of the 5 young adults who lost their lives yesterday evening in this road traffic collision,” Armstrong said.

“This is a shocking, devastating event for these families, their communities and the community here in Dundalk.”

Armstrong also appealed for privacy for the families of the victims.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin also paid tribute to the crash victims this morning, adding that he was “numbed and shocked” by the news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these young people, and those injured,” Martin said.

Tánaiste Simon Harris expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the victims, and said he wished to thank the emergency services who responded to the crash last night.

President Catherine Connolly also said she was “deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of five precious young lives”, and said she was thinking of them, their families, and the first responders.

Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú described the collision as “dreadful and shocking news”, and said that the incident “has stunned County Louth and the wider area”.

“It is heartbreaking, awful and tragic for the loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” Ó Murchú added.

“There are difficult and dark days ahead for the families and friends who have lost loved ones but I know that the whole of Louth will carry them and support them in every way possible as they face this unimaginable tragedy.”

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station,” a spokesperson said.