Ardee Road Tragedy: Five Young Lives Lost in Dundalk Crash
By ArdeePost Reporter
Ardee Road Tragedy: Five Young People Killed in Devastating Dundalk Collision
A devastating road tragedy has left communities across Ardee, Dundalk, Carrickmacross, Drumconrath, and Scotland reeling, after five young people in their 20s were killed in a two-vehicle collision on the L3168, Dundalk to Ardee Road, late on Saturday night.
The crash, which occurred shortly after 9pm in Gibstown, involved a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser. All five fatalities – three men and two women – were travelling in the Golf. Gardaí have confirmed that the victims were from Carrickmacross (Co. Monaghan), Drumconrath (Co. Meath), and one woman originally from Scotland.
Three additional people were injured, including one survivor from the Golf and two occupants of the Land Cruiser. All were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda with non-life-threatening injuries.
“A Shocking, Devastating Event” – Gardaí
Superintendent Charlie Armstrong of Dundalk Garda Station described the scenes faced by first responders as “very difficult, in adverse weather conditions,” praising their professionalism and compassion:
“The care and respect shown to the five deceased was exemplary. This tragedy…will have a deep impact on families and communities in Carrickmacross, Drumconrath, and Scotland.”
He confirmed that Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to support the bereaved families, and that a full technical and forensic examination is underway by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
The L3168 remains closed while examinations continue.
Appeal for Witnesses and Dash-Cam Footage
Gardaí are urgently appealing to anyone who travelled on the L3168 Ardee Road, Dundalk, between 8:30pm and 9:15pm on Saturday 15th November 2025, to come forward.
Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is asked to contact:
- Dundalk Garda Station: 042 938 8400
- Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111
- Any Garda Station
National Leaders Express Deep Shock and Sympathy
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was “numbed and shocked” by the tragedy:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of these young people… and with our first responders.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris echoed the sentiment:
“A veil of deep sadness and shock has come over our country… We keep them in our prayers now and in the time ahead.”
Communities in Mourning
The tragedy has struck a painful chord across the region. Local parishes in Ardee and surrounding areas will remember the victims in Masses throughout the day. At 1pm, St Augustine’s Church in Drogheda will hold its annual remembrance Mass for road victims – now with five more names weighing heavily on the hearts of attendees.
Road Safety Concerns Highlighted on World Day of Remembrance
In a poignant and heartbreaking coincidence, today is the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Superintendent Liam Geraghty, speaking at the scene, noted:
“This is a very clear reminder of how things can change dramatically on our roads in a split second.”
As of today, 157 people have lost their lives on Irish roads in 2025, an increase of ten compared to the same period last year.
Ardee Region United in Grief
Ardee and neighbouring communities now face days of deep mourning as families, friends, and locals try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. The five young adults were described by residents as vibrant, full of promise, and deeply connected to their communities.
The hearts of the nation are with their families.dee.