THERE have been renewed calls for an upgrade the N20 Cork to Limerick Rd following another fatal road traffic crash last night.

The crash claimed the life of a man in his 50s while three other individuals were sent to Cork University Hospital with minor injuries.

The man in his 50s was driving through the Ballybeg district when his vehicle was in collision with a second car.

One of the cars spun on the road and subsequently hit a third car during the incident.

The man was pronounced dead a short time later and his body was removed to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination was carried today.

Labour councillor James Kennedy said while the reasons behind the latest crash were still unknown, it is clear that action is needed on the road infrastructure.

“The problem with the road is there are so many bends, there are 10 to 13 within a mile stretch,” Mr Kennedy said. 

“Drivers have to slow down and prepare for them. The bends are sharp and tight. Even people who know it well have to take extreme care. 

"It needs to be treated with caution.” 

Mr Kennedy extended his sympathies to the family of the man who died.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Gearoid Murphy agreed with Mr Kennedy that the road was dangerous and said he would be raising the issue in County Hall.

“It is the second most dangerous road in the country. It is massively accident-prone."

Mr Murphy said that while the planned M20 motorway would eventually take traffic away from the N20, it would take considerable time.

A route selection was revealed for the motorway today but Mr Murphy said: “Ten years is probably a fairly optimistic estimate. The M20 will reduce traffic on the N20 but that is little consolation when there is a tragedy."

EARLIER:

A man in his 50s has been killed and three others injured in a crash in North Cork. 

The man received fatal injuries when his car collided with a second vehicle. 

One of the cars spun on the road and subsequently hit a third car during the incident.

A garda statement said: "The male was pronounced dead a short time later and his body was removed to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out today.

"The driver and two passengers of the second car were taken to Cork University Hospital with minor injuries."

Gardaí have closed a section of the N20 between Mallow and Buttevant following the incident late last night.

The collision meant traffic was diverted in both directions for early morning commuters. 

Northbound traffic is diverted at Newtwopothouse via Doneraile returning to the N20 at Lisballyhea.

Southbound traffic is diverted at Lisballyhea via Doneraile and returning to N20 at Newtwopothouse.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this incident, particularly any road users with camera footage who were travelling the Buttevant/Mallow road between 10pm and 11.30pm last night. 

Contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.