Motorway partially closed following fatal two-car collision in Kildare

A section of the Waterford to Dublin road has been closed as several people have died, with four critically injured, following a two-vehicle collision this morning.

The collision occurred northbound on the M9, close to the Moone exit at Junction 3 in county Kildare at 3am.

The incident has resulted in a temporary road closure, with motorists travelling from Cork advised to take alternative routes.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a vehicle travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway of the M9.

The vehicle was driving on the M9 between junctions 3 and 4 when a head-on collision occurred with a second car.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said a number of fatalities have occurred, with “no further details available at this time”.

The female driver and front passenger of the second vehicle, both aged in their 30s, have been removed from the scene to Tallaght University Hospital, and both remain in critical condition.

A female rear seat passenger, aged in her 20s was also taken to St Luke's General Hospital and is in a serious condition.

The third passenger, who is a child, has been removed to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin and is in a serious condition.

The section of the M9 from Junction 3 to Junction 4 northbound and southbound remains closed with local diversions in place.

A Garda Forensic Collision examination will take place in due course.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are appealing to road users who were travelling on the M9 northbound or southbound between 2am and 3am, who may have dashcam footage of the incident or surrounding area, to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Athy garda station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.