An elderly man has died after a three-car crash that has hospitalised five others, including a child.
Gardai shut the M7 in Portlaoise shortly after 7pm after the collision on Monday.
One man in his 80s was removed to University Hospital Limerick in a serious condition and later passed away - he was the sole occupant of the car.
The driver of the second car, a man in his 40s, was rushed to UHL where his condition is described as serious.
A woman, also in her 40s, who was a passenger in that car has been hospitalised but her injuries are not said to be life-threatening.
A man, woman and child were in the third car involved in the crash and have also been brought to hospital - their injuries are not life-threatening.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses and the road remains closed tonight.
A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling on the M7 this evening between 7p.m. and 7.30p.m. and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on (057) 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."
Get the latest news straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
