TWO young teenagers have died following a road crash in Co Galway that has also left two other youngsters injured.
The deceased are understood to be a 13 year-old boy and a 14 year-old girl, and the collision occurred at around 5.45am on Monday in the Headford area when the car struck a tree at high speed.
All four occupants of the vehicle were young teenagers, and the deceased boy is understood to have been a front seat passenger.
He was pronounced dead at the scene upon the arrival of emergency services, while the other three occupants were rushed to University Hospital Galway.
The 14 year-old girl was later pronounced dead, while another girl, the same age, who was in the vehicle was transferred to Dublin's Beaumont Hospital, where she is understood to be in a serious condition.
The driver of the car is believed to be a 13-year-old boy, who has received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
The L6127 road at Glennagarraun in Headford remained closed to motorists on Monday as Gardaí forensic collision investigators carried out work at the scene of the crash.
A spokesperson said they were engaging with the families of all those involved in the fatal collision.
"Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to come forward," the spokesperson said.
"Any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling on the L6127 at Glennagarraun, Ballyfruit in Headford between 5.30am and 6am are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."
Fine Gael councillor for the Tuam area, Andrew Reddington, said a "dark cloud has descended on the entire community" following the crash.
"Everyone is thinking of the families of the young people who died this morning," he said in a social media post on Monday.
"And we are praying for those who are in the hospital. We will come together as a community to support the families, but we ask that everyone respect the families who are grieving the loss of their children."
Fianna Fáil Tuam councillor Mary Hoade said all four youngsters involved attended Headford's Presentation College, and the school is implementing a Critical Incident Plan to help pupils in the aftermath of the tragedy.
"It is dreadful what has happened and our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved," she said.
