Young man and woman killed in Louth crash

The first fatal road collision of 2011 has claimed the lives of two people, both believed to be in their 20s.

The crash happened in Co Louth at approximately 4.30am, when a car collided with a fence on the southbound lane of the M1 Belfast/Dublin Road near Milltown.

The male driver and his female passenger, both believed to be in their 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

There were no other occupants in the car and noone else was injured.

The road remains closed southbound between J16 Dundalk South and J15 Castlebellingham and diversions are in place via the old N1.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Ardee garda station on 041 6871130.