A man in his 40s was killed in a single car crash between Ballacolla and Rathdowney at about 1am this morning.
The fatal collision took place on the Ballacolla to Rathdowney Road (L1640).
The deceased was the driver of the car and was from the locality. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body has been removed from the scene and taken to Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
A male passenger, aged in his early 30s, was treated at the scene for his injuries, believed to be non-life threatening.
The Ballacolla to Rathdowney Road (L1640) is closed between Moyne Cross (R434) and Rathmakelly Crossroads pending technical examination. Local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Rathdowney Road (L1640) between 12.30am and 1.30am are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Portlaoise Road Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
SEE ALSO – Erkina River Festival set to return after long Covid-19 absence
