A MAN IN his mid-20s has died following a road traffic collision in Westmeath this afternoon.

The victim was seriously injured when his motorbike collided with a van on the R390 near Loughnavalley in Westmeath at about 4.30pm.

He was taken by ambulance to the nearby Mullingar hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

He is the fifth motorcyclist to be killed on Irish roads since 1 January.

The driver of the van was also admitted for treatment but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Forensic investigators are currently examining the scene and the road is closed to traffic. Local diversions are in place and an appeal for witnesses has been made by gardaí.

Late last month, gardaí and the RSA issued an appeal to motorists to take extra care on roads as more people have lost their lives so far this year than in the corresponding period of 2012.

Although 162 people tragically lost their lives in 2012, it was the lowest figure ever recorded since records began. According to statistics, Ireland has seen a reduction in road deaths every year since 2006, which has led to it becoming one of the safest countries in Europe for road safety.

But gardaí have warned that the country may end up with more than 162 road deaths by the end of 2013 if this upsurge in fatalities continues.

Gardaí urge caution as 48 lives already lost on Irish roads