Community 'in shock' after horror crash

A pregnant woman, her unborn baby and two men were killed in an horrific multi-vehicle car crash that has left a community stunned.

Forensic investigators are piecing together the final movements of three cars before they collided, leaving another person fighting for their life and two others injured.

The accident happened on the N2 near Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, at 6.30pm on Monday.

The female victim, a 39-year-old teacher from Dublin, was five months pregnant with her first child. Both died in hospital in the early hours of the morning.

She was travelling with her husband towards Dublin when their Seat Toledo collided head-on with a BMW carrying four men.

Two of the men, both aged 27 and from Co Meath, were killed at the scene.

The drivers of both cars and the other man were injured and rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda where two are stable and one remains in a critical condition.

A family of four, including two young children in car seats, were in the third car involved in the collision and escaped with minor injuries.

Garda Superintendent Noel Cunningham described the crash as a horrific occurrence and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

"We send our condolences to the families and extended families who are affected by this horrendous incident which has occurred, and which has sent a ripple affect right through the community," he said.

The stretch of road remained closed throughout the day as the Garda air support unit, scenes of crime officers and technical collision investigators determined the exact cause of the accident.

Officers said while recent snow and ice had thawed on the main bypass, it was raining at the time.

"There is no indication of any ice, slush or snow on the road, but there was heavy rain at the time," said Supt Cunningham.

Councillor PJ O'Hanlon, chair of Carrickmacross Town Council, said the community was numb following the tragedy.

"People woke up this morning to this tragic and devastating news and they are in shock," he said.

"Everybody is just in a daze walking about."