Three Irish people have lost their lives and a fourth has been seriously injured following a devastating road traffic collision in southern Spain in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 2.30am on a section of the A-7 motorway near the city of Malaga, a major coastal route in the Andalusia region.
Emergency services were called to the scene after two vehicles were involved in a collision. The impact caused one of the vehicles to leave the roadway and plunge down an embankment, prompting a major emergency response.
Firefighters, paramedics and local police attended the scene, where rescue operations were carried out. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, two women and one man were pronounced dead.
A fourth occupant, a man, sustained serious injuries in the crash. He was treated at the scene before being transferred by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical care.
The four people involved are understood to be from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, although formal identification procedures and official confirmation of their identities are expected to take place through the relevant authorities.
The circumstances surrounding the collision have not yet been confirmed, and Spanish police have launched an investigation to establish exactly how the crash occurred. Officers are expected to examine the scene, gather witness statements and assess any available evidence as part of their inquiry.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance to the families affected.
The department said it does not comment on the details of individual consular cases but is working closely with local authorities in Spain to support those impacted by the tragedy.
The deaths have shocked both the local Irish community in Spain and the victims' home community in Mullingar, where news of the incident has begun to spread. Friends and relatives are expected to receive ongoing support as they come to terms with the loss.
Road collisions involving Irish citizens abroad are relatively rare but can present significant challenges for families, who often rely on the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs in coordinating with overseas authorities and arranging the repatriation of loved ones.
Further information is expected to emerge as the Spanish investigation continues and the families of those involved are formally notified.
