Tragedy struck on a County Louth road on Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of five young people in a devastating two-car collision.
The fatal incident occurred on the L3168 in Gibstown, just outside Dundalk, at approximately 9pm on 15th November 2025.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Irish police, An Garda Síochána, confirmed that three men and two women, all in their early twenties, lost their lives at the scene. All five young adults were travelling in the same vehicle, a Volkswagen Golf.
Superintendent Charlie Armstrong from Dundalk Garda Station stated that a sixth occupant of the Volkswagen Golf, a man also in his 20s, was transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. He is being treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The two occupants of the second vehicle involved, a Toyota Landcruiser, were also taken to the same hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
Police Investigation and Appeal
A major incident response was initiated, involving Dundalk Fire Brigade, HSE Paramedics, and hospital staff. The scene on the L3168 remains closed as a technical and forensic examination is conducted by Garda Forensic Collision investigators.
An incident room has been established at Dundalk Garda Station, and an investigation is underway under a Senior Investigating Officer. The local Coroner’s Office and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified, with post-mortems scheduled for the coming days.
Superintendent Armstrong has issued a public appeal for information. He is urging anyone who was on the L3168 between 8.30pm and 9.15pm on Saturday night, or anyone with relevant camera footage or images from the Gibstown area, to contact the investigation team.
Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to support the grieving families. Superintendent Armstrong expressed his deepest sympathies, acknowledging the profound impact this loss will have on communities in Carrickmacross, Dromconrath, and Scotland.
Community Reaction
Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly expressed his distress upon hearing the news, stating: "Thoughts and prayers with the families of those who have lost their lives, the injured and the emergency services dealing with the situation at the scene. RIP."
The Garda investigation team can be contacted at Dundalk Garda station on 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
