Gardai in Athlone are investigating after a single vehicle crash claimed the life of a 5 month old boy.

The baby boy was seriously injured when the car he was travelling in collided with a barrier on the Athlone Bypass this afternoon at around 2pm.

He was removed to Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe where he was pronounced dead.

The male driver in his late 20's and the female front seat passenger, also in her late 20's, were uninjured.

A rear seat 3 year old girl was also removed to Portiuncula Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The eastbound Athlone Bypass between junctions 13 and 11 is currently closed and local diversions are in place.

Gardai are now appealinng appeal for any witnesses to this collision to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 - 6498550,