2 women and a man have been killed in a car crash in Co Laois.
The single vehicle crash happened on the Rathdowney to Abbeyleix Road at around 3am at Middlemount, about 5 kilometres outside Rathdowney.
Gardai say the car collided with a roadside sign, leading to the deaths of the driver - a man in his 20s - and 2 female passengers, aged 20 and 35.
They were pronounced dead at the scene and their remains have been removed to Portlaoise Hospital.
A 16 year old boy who also in the car was taken to Tullamore General Hospital where his injuries are described as non life threatening.
The road is closed until at least lunchtime so Garda Forensic Collision Investigators can carry out their work.
Gardai are now appealing for any witnesses to get in touch with Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
