A YOUNG man has been killed in a fatal single-vehicle crash on a busy road in Co Laois.
The man, aged in his 20s, died in the crash on the R445 at Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory in the early hours of this morning.
Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene after being alerted of the collision at around 3:15am.
The man, who was the driver and sole occupant of the car, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
His body has been removed to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
Gardai confirmed that the local Coroner has been informed.
The R445 road remains closed this morning with local diversions in place following the horror crash.
Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are currently conducting an examination of the scene.
In a statement this morning, gardai said investigations into the fatal crash are “ongoing” and urged anyone who may have any information to come forward.
A spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area between 3am and 3.30am are asked to make it available to Gardai.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on (057) 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
As of this morning, a total of 81 people have lost their lives on Irish roads.
This is exact same number of people who died in crashes and collisions during the same period in 2024.
Separately, a motorcyclist who was killed in a fatal crash over the weekend has been named locally.
A total of 29 people who have died on Irish roads this year have been drivers, 21 have been pedestrians, 14 have been motorcyclists and eight have been pedal cyclists.
Seven more people have been passengers in a vehicle, one has been a pillion passengers and another was someone on an e-scooter.
Patrick Joseph Crotty Junior died in a single-vehicle collision on the R515 near Milford in Co Cork, believed to have happened on Saturday.
The tragic biker was discovered unresponsive on Sunday morning and was sadly pronounced deceased by emergency services at the scene.
The R445 road has been closed following the crash[/caption]
