Two killed in road accident

A woman and a teenager have died in a Co Mayo road accident.

The 40 year-old driver and a 14 year-old in the passenger seat died when their car left the road at Rathbaun, Cloghans, Ballina at 9pm last night.

Three female rear seat passengers were injured, but their condition is not believed to be life threatening.

No other vehicle was involved in the incident, when a car left the road and overturned.

Gardaí have sealed-off the scene of the crash to allow a forensic examination.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A priest who knew the family said the loss of life was a devastating blow that was made all the more tragic as it came at a time when families were preparing for Christmas.

“It is an awful shock altogether,” said Fr Michael Flynn.

“Everybody is in a total state of shock this morning because everybody knew the family so well.

“They were involved in the community.”

Fr Flynn described the woman killed in the accident as “a good mother, a good wife”.

He said: “It is tragic at any time of the year, but at Christmas, it highlights it even more.”