Three women and girl (10) killed in Westmeath crash

Three women and a 10-year-old girl were killed in a car crash in Co Westmeath yesterday morning.

The women were in their late 30s and early 40s, a Garda spokesperson has confirmed.

The crash between a 4x4 vehicle and a car occurred on the N4 Dublin to Sligo Road at Portnashangan outside Mullingar at about 7.30am.

The four occupants of the car died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

The driver of the 4x4, a 50-year-old man, was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries. It is believed those who died are not originally from Ireland.

Garda forensic collision investigators are still carrying out an examination of the scene this evening, and the road remains closed to traffic in both directions between Junction 17 Castlepollard and Ballinafid. Diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses who may have travelled on the road this morning to contact Mullingar Garda station on 044 - 9384000 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen a gold coloured 2003 Nissan Almera or a black 2006 Kia Sorento 4x4 travelling on the Mullingar to Edgeworthstown stretch of the N4 between 7am and 7.45am this morning.