Two women and a child die in Mayo road crash

THREE people  - one of them a child - died this afternoon in a road crash  near Claremorris

The victims were the occupants of a car which collided with a truck on the N17 shortly before 1 p.m.

The collision occurred about a mile from Claremorris near the junction with what is known as the old Ballindine
road.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but there was nothing they could do to save the three victims, understood
to be two women and a child.

Diversions are in place this afternoon on the N17 Sligo to Galway road as gardai carry out a forensic examination of the scene and the crash vehicles.

No details have been released as to the identity of the crash victims.

Local councillor Tom Connolly this afternoon expressed "total shock" at the loss of life.

"There have been a number of serious accidents at the crash site over the years", he said.

Members of Mayo County Council learned the grim news about the tragedy as they gathered for their monthly meeting in
Castlebar this afternoon.

Councillor Richard Finn, council cathaoirleach, expresed sympathy to the bereaved families.

"The community is heartbroken over the loss of life and the pain which family and other loved ones must now endure," Councillor Finn stated.

Council chief executive Peter Hynes joined in the expression of grief and sympathy.