A horror road crash that claimed three lives in Co Limerick on Thursday evening may have been caused by a driver suffering a heart attack.
Three elderly women, all in their 70s, were pronounced dead after the two vehicle collision on the N69 at Loughill.
It's believed that the lone driver of one of the cars suffered a suspected heart attack and veered across the road before hitting a second car. She died in the crash.
The driver and front seat passenger of the second car were also killed.
The back seat passenger of that car, also in her 70s, was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick after suffering two broken legs.
A source told the Irish Mirror: "One of the women suffered a suspected heart attack before veering across the road a colliding with the vehicle carrying the other three women.
"She died, as did two of the women in the front of the other car.
"A third women sitting in the back seat suffered two broke legs and was airlifted to hospital. There were no skid marks at the scene."
Fr Tom Crawford Parish Priest of Glin, Co Limerick told Morning Ireland: "There was a straight stretch of road and a lay bay at the side.
"It wasn't as if there was a dangerous part of the road.
"And the two cars involved, when I heard they were from the local area I presumed it was in a traffic restricted area."
The road was closed over Thursday night to facilitate a forensic examination.
AA Roadwatch has confirmed that the stretch of the N69 has reopened on Friday morning.
Gardai in Newcastle West investigating the crash are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Officers have appeal to anyone who may have dash cam footage to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069-20650, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
