TWO young men were killed after their car crashed at the same spot where three young people lost their lives this time last year.
Suresh Cherekuri, 23, and Bhargav Chithoori, 24, died after the Audi A6 crashed into trees on the N80 at Graiguenaspiddoge, in Leagh, Rathoe, Co Carlow, around 1.15am on this morning.
The pals, who had been living in Hannover Road, also Co Carlow, were the driver and a back seat passenger in the vehicle.
Two other people, a man and a woman, were also in the car and are being treated in hospital for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The car travelled through the Mount Leinster area, through Fenagh and on to the Wexford Road before the crash.
The accident happened on the first anniversary of the deaths of Katie Graham, 19, Daryl Culbert, 21 and Michael Kelly, 25.
Gardai were liaising with authorities in India as they attempted to track down the crash victims’ relatives
They were part of the Indian community living in Co Carlow.
So far this year, 14 people have lost their lives on Ireland’s roads.
It’s understood the friends who lost their lives had been working at the pharmaceutical company MSD.
We contacted the company for a comment.
Local Fianna Fail councillor John Pender offered his condolences to the crash victims’ families.
He said: “The whole community is devastated once again at the loss of more young lives on our roads.
“It’s awful to think this has happened on the same stretch of road where another three young people lost their lives this time last year.
“I would like to offer my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and our thoughts and prayers are with them.
“I would also like to offer our support to the two young people who are being treated in hospital for serious injuries.
“There have been a number of accidents on this stretch of road and plans are underway at council level to improve it.”
The scene was examined on Friday by Garda Forensic Collision investigators as the road remained closed.
Gardai have urged anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson said: “The collision involved one vehicle.
“Two occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Two passengers were taken to St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
“Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.”
A car run in memory of the three pals who died this time last year was also due to take place in the county on Sunday.
