Travel couple killed on way to farewell party

A young couple planning to travel to Australia for a year-long trip died today in a multiple pile up as they made their way to a farewell party.

The pair, in their 20s, were killed when their car was involved in the accident on the main road between Belfast and Dublin and burst into flames, police said.

Three lorries and the couple’s car were involved in the incident at Monasterboice, north of Drogheda, Co Louth.

Witnesses said the car was preparing to turn in the road when it was in collision with a lorry.

It was then struck by another lorry before catching fire.

One of the heavy goods vehicles then crashed from the road down an embankment in the accident at lunchtime.

The names of the dead couple have not yet been released, but it is understood they were on their way to the woman’s house where relatives of them both had gathered to wish them well on their trip.

They were due to fly to Australia this afternoon.

Following the accident the drivers of the other three vehicles were taken to hospital for treatment.

Traffic built up for miles in the area and the road was closed at the accident scene, a police spokesman said.

He said: ‘‘There were four vehicles involved, two articulated lorries, a smaller lorry and the car.

‘‘After the impact the car caught fire and the male and female occupants of the car were deceased.

‘‘There were very bad tailbacks for miles. Part of the road was closed and gardai are diverting traffic in the area.’’

Many diversions were also put in place throughout Drogheda town centre.

An investigation into the accident is under way.