‘Devastating’ Two-Vehicle Collision Claims Five Young Lives
A community in Ireland is in mourning after a catastrophic road traffic accident on Saturday night claimed the lives of five young people in County Louth. The collision, described by Irish police as “shocking and devastating,” occurred on the L3168 road at Gibstown, just outside Dundalk, shortly after 9pm on 15 November 2025.
The incident involved a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser. Tragically, all five deceased individuals, three men and two women all in their early 20s, were travelling in the Volkswagen Golf. It is believed they were on their way to socialise in Dundalk at the time of the crash.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Investigation
A major emergency response was immediately initiated, with personnel from An Garda Síochána, Dundalk Fire Brigade, and HSE paramedics attending the scene. Despite their efforts, the five young adults were pronounced dead at the location.
Three other people were injured in the collision. A man in his early 20s from the Volkswagen Golf and a man and woman from the Toyota Land Cruiser were transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for medical treatment.
Superintendent Charlie Armstrong, speaking near the scene on Sunday, expressed his profound sympathies. “I want to express my condolences and sympathies... to the families of the five young adults who lost their lives yesterday evening,” he stated. He confirmed that family liaison officers have been appointed to support the bereaved families.
The scene on the L3168 remained closed throughout Sunday as Gardaí conducted a detailed technical and forensic examination. Post-mortem examinations are also scheduled to take place.
National Grief and Appeal for Information
The tragedy has sent a wave of shock across Ireland. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “numbed and shocked” by the horrific news, while Tánaiste Simon Harris described a “veil of deep sadness” falling over the country.
Superintendent Armstrong highlighted the profound impact of the loss, noting it would have a “deep impact on families and local communities in Carrickmacross, Dromconrath and in Scotland.”
Gardaí have now launched a comprehensive investigation and are urgently appealing for information. They are asking anyone who was on the L3168 between 8:30pm and 9:15pm on Saturday night, or who may have relevant camera footage from the Gibstown area, to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dundalk Garda Station at 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any local Garda station.
