Five young people have tragically lost their lives in a two-car collision near Dundalk, County Louth, on Saturday night. The incident occurred shortly after 9pm on the L3168 road at Gibstown, as the victims were reportedly en route to a night out. The deceased have been identified as Chloe McGee (23), Shay Duffy (21), Alan McCluskey (23), Dillon Commins (23), and Chloe Hipson (21), who hailed from Carrickmacross, Drumconrath, and Lanarkshire in Scotland. All five were travelling in a Volkswagen Golf that collided with a Toyota Land Cruiser. Superintendent Charlie Armstrong of An Garda Síochána confirmed that a sixth occupant of the Golf, also a male in his 20s, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The two occupants of the Land Cruiser, a male and a female, were also hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. The scene of the crash remains closed as forensic investigators conduct a thorough examination. Superintendent Armstrong expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, stating, "This tragedy, with the loss of five young adults, will have a deep impact on families and local communities in Carrickmacross, Drumconrath, and in Scotland." Gardaí are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area between 8.30pm and 9.15pm on the night of the incident. They can be contacted at Dundalk Garda Station or through the Garda Confidential Line. The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, described the news as "numbed and shocking," extending thoughts and prayers to the families affected. Tánaiste Simon Harris remarked on the deep sadness enveloping the country, while local representatives expressed their heartbreak over the loss. As the community mourns, prayers for the victims will be held at Masses throughout the region. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on the roads, particularly on World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims, with 157 fatalities reported on Irish roads this year alone.