A number of people have died and others have been seriously injured in a crash on a motorway in County Kildare, Irish police have said.
Two cars were in a head-on collision on the M9 between junctions 3 and 4 near Athy at around 3am on Sunday.
One of the vehicles was travelling in the wrong direction - southbound on the northbound carriageway of the motorway, according to police.
Four people, who were badly injured, have been taken to hospital.
They include the female driver and front passenger of the second car. They are both aged in their 30s and remain in a critical condition.
A female rear seat passenger, aged in her 20s, is in a serious condition.
The third passenger, a child, is also in a serious condition.
The M9 from junction 3 to junction 4 northbound and southbound remains closed, and a forensic investigation is set to take place.
A police spokesperson said: "A number of fatalities have occurred and no further details are available at this time."
A referral has since been made to Fiosru, the Office of the Police Ombudsman.
It said in a statement: "The referral was made following a fatal road traffic incident on the M9.
"One of Fiosru's on call team of investigators attended the scene and its independent investigation is ongoing.
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"In line with its statutory remit, Fiosru's investigation relates to incidents involving contact with gardai (Irish police) where a member of the public has died or been seriously injured. A referral does not necessarily mean a garda or gardai have been accused of wrongdoing."
Officers have asked for any witnesses to come forward, and are appealing to those who were travelling on the M9 northbound or southbound between 2am and 3am this morning.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Athy police station on 01 666 6000, a confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any police station.
(c) Sky News 2026: Multiple people killed and others injured in motorway crash in County Kildare, Irish police say
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