Two members of the one family from south Armagh are among the three people killed in a crash on the N1 at Carrickarnan in the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
The tragic incident occurred at about 2.15am at Carrickcarnan, near Ravensdale in Co. Louth.
Three people lost their lives at the scene while a fourth person, a man in his early 20s, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Dundalk, where his condition is described as serious.
It is understood two of the deceased were from the same family from the Cloughragh area of Bessbrook.
The third victim was a man from Newry.
Sinn Fein MP for the area, Mickey Brady, commented: “There is widespread shock and a deep sadness within the Cloughreagh community as news of the deaths of two family members in the car crash at Carrickarnan which claimed three lives, becomes known.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones.”
Earlier MLA, Conor Murphy said: “This is devastating news for the families and friends of those who have been tragically killed in this accident.
“Every loss of life on our roads is a tragedy but the impact on families, friends and entire communities after an incident like this cannot be underestimated. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been involved or affected.”
Gardaí are currently at the scene and the road is currently closed and local diversions are in place.
The A1 is closed in both directions at Dublin road / Forkhill Road.