A sixth person involved in the devastating car crash near Dundalk that claimed five lives has been released from hospital, Gardaí have confirmed.
A Night of Tragedy on the L3168
The fatal collision occurred on Saturday evening, just after 9pm, on the L3168 at Gibstown, outside Dundalk, County Louth. A Volkswagen Golf carrying six young people collided with a Toyota Landcruiser. Five occupants of the Golf – three men and two women all in their early 20s – were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been named as Chloe McGee, 23, Alan McCluskey, 23, Dylan Commins, 23, Shay Duffy, 21, and Chloe Hipson, 21.
Survivors and Ongoing Investigation
The sixth occupant of the Volkswagen Golf, a man also in his 20s, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been discharged.
A man and a woman in their 20s, who were travelling in the Toyota Landcruiser, remain in hospital. Their injuries are also not believed to be life-threatening.
Superintendent Charlie Armstrong from Dundalk Garda Station stated that post-mortem examinations have been completed and the victims' remains have been released to their families. The scene on the L3168 remained closed for a technical and forensic examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
Communities in Mourning
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through several communities. Vigils were held for the five victims at three Gaelic football grounds across counties Louth, Meath, and Monaghan.
The young adults were from various areas: Chloe McGee and Shay Duffy were from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; Alan McCluskey was from Drumconrath, County Meath; Dylan Commins was from Ardee, County Louth; and Chloe Hipson was from Lanarkshire in Scotland.
Superintendent Armstrong described the scene as "very difficult" and the event as a "shocking, devastating event for these families, their communities and the community here in Dundalk."
An Garda Síochána continues to investigate the circumstances of the fatal road traffic collision and has established an incident room at Dundalk Garda Station. Family liaison officers have been appointed to support the grieving families.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information about the crash, or who was in the area at the time, to contact the investigation team at Dundalk Garda Station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
