Gardaí seek witnesses as driver, 20, dies in Galway crash that hospitalises six more

Gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses after a 20-year-old man was killed in a horrific traffic crash which has left six other people injured in hospital.

Two of the six were last night fighting for their lives after suffering serious injuries.

Three vehicles were involved in the incident on the narrow stretch of road on the R337 between Headford, Co Galway, and Cross, Co Mayo.

The incident, which happened at around 2pm yesterday, occurred at Cordarragh outside Headford.

The man who died was on his own in his car. Another car and a 4x4 were also involved in the incident.

The 20-year-old, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.

All six injured were rushed to University Hospital Galway.

The driver and passenger of the 4x4 were last night described as being in a serious condition in hospital.

The driver and three passengers in the other car were being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The road remain closed yesterday evening to facilitate an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

There were major traffic disruptions in the area, on what is usually a busy road, with a significant increase in usage this week in the build-up to Christmas.

Gardaí in Tuam (093 70840) are leading the investigation into the incident and last night appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Local councillor Mary Hoade said the incident, coming a few days before Christmas, had shocked the community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the young man who lost his life and those who were injured,” she said.