Three men and one woman have been killed in a two car collision in Co Laois.
One front seat passenger was seriously injured and is in a critical condition in Portlaoise hospital.
An Italian man and a Polish man are among the four people killed.
The head collision between the two cars happened 6km south of Borris-in-Ossory shortly after 9.30am this morning, at Ballaghmore.
The sole survivor of the crash has been taken to Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.
It is understood the collision may have been caused by a failed attempt to overtake another vehicle.
The main N7 road at the crash scene is now closed and diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing for any motorists who witnessed the collision to contact Abbeyleix garda station.
