Teenage girls killed and two others in critical condition after Monaghan road crash

Two teenage girls were killed and three people are in hospital after a road crash in Co Monaghan.

Of the three people taken to hospital, two are in a critical condition.

All five were travelling in the same car.

It is understood that some of the people involved were on their way to a secondary school “Debs” ball.

The incident took place on the N54 in Legnakelly (Clones to Smithborough road) at around 6.45pm on Monday.

Gardai said the bodies of the two girls, aged 16 and 17, were removed from the scene to Monaghan General Hospital, with post-mortem examinations to take place on Tuesday.

An 18-year-old woman and the 60-year-old male driver of the car are in critical condition in hospital while an 18-year-old man is receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

The two 18-year-olds were taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment.

The 60-year-old was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The road was closed overnight.

Local councillor Richard Truell told the PA news agency: “It’s tragic, the community is shocked.

“We can’t get our heads around what’s happened because two young lives have been lost.

“Our thoughts and prayers have to go to their families.”

Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy said it was “horrendous, heart-wrenching” news and said the prayers of everyone in Co Monaghan are with the families affected.

“A moment of joy and celebration for these young people has turned into a lifetime of devastation for those who loved them,” he said on Twitter.

The local youth club in Clones was opened on Monday night to offer support to students.