Two people have died in a house fire in the early hours of this morning in south Roscommon.
A man and a woman, both believed to be in their 50s, were killed in the fire.
The blaze was discovered around 2am at a house at Rooty Cross, about 13 kilometres east of the Galway town Ballinasloe.
Fire services from Ballinasloe and Athlone rushed to the scene which is located a short distance from the M6.
The bodies of the man and woman have been removed from the scene.
The house has been sealed and gardai at Ballinasloe and Roscommon have appealed for witnesses.
A garda spokesman said: "Gardaí in Clonark are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of two people following a fatal house fire at Gurth, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon in the early hours of this morning Thursday 13th May, 2021.=
"At approximately 2a.m. Gardaí were alerted to a house fire at Gurth, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. The fire was brought under control by three units of Fire Brigade. Two bodies (a man and woman, aged in their mid-40s) were discovered inside the house. Death was pronounced at the scene a short time later.
"Investigating Gardaí have preserved the scene as they work towards establishing the cause of the fire. The bodies will be removed to Galway General Hospital where post mortem examinations will be conducted. The State Pathologist Margaret Bolster has been informed. Results of the post mortem and a technical examination of the scene will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact the Roscommon Garda Station on 090 6437102, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
