Longford shocked and saddened by horrific crash that claims lives of ten-year-old girl and three women

“Longford is in shock, lost, confused and in sadness,” was the reaction of one member of Longford Integration Forum Exchange to yesterday’s horrific road traffic collision that claimed the lives of a ten-year-old girl and three women (aged in their late 30s - early 40s).

Gardaí have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the fatal crash which occurred at approximately 7.45am on Saturday on the N4 at Portnashangan, Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

The four deceased, who are of African origin and are well known by many living in Longford town, were travelling east in the direction of Dublin in a car that collided with a jeep and they were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their bodies were removed to Mullingar General Hospital and post mortems will be carried out tomorrow morning (Monday, June 30) at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

Gardaí say they are not releasing the names of the victims at this time.

The driver of the jeep, a 50-year-old male, was also taken to Mullingar General Hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life threatening.

The tragedy resulted in the cancellation of the women’s and veterans’ National Cycling Championships at Multyfarnham, organised by the Lakeside Wheelers club.

An examination of the crash scene was carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

And investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

They are particularly appealing to anyone who may have observed a gold coloured Nissan Almera (03 registered) or a black Kia Sorento jeep (06 registered) travelling on the Mullingar - Edgeworthstown stretch of the N4 between 7am and 7.45am on Saturday morning (28/6/2014) to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mullingar Garda Station 044-9384000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.