GARDAÍ IN ASHBOURNE are investigating a two-car collision which left a woman dead.

The crash has been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman’s Commission.

The incident occurred at Waterside Great, Duleek, County Meath on the N2 Dublin-Slane Road at around 10.20pm last night.

A female passenger (20) was fatally injured when the car she was travelling in collided with another vehicle.

The male driver in his early 40s and female front seat passenger (also 20) were removed to Blanchardstown Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

The back seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and her body has been taken to the mortuary in Navan.

A statement from GSOC said the car was being pursued by gardaí.

The fatal road traffic incident which occurred on the N2 last night was referred to GSOC because the car which crashed was under pursuit by gardaí prior to the incident occurring. GSOC investigators attended the scene. There are parallel investigations underway. GSOC’s investigation will focus primarily on matters relating to the conduct of the Garda pursuit.

Sources told TheJournal.ie that a call was made to gardaí by one of the women in the car.

The male driver of the second car, in his late 30s and a female passenger in her mid 30s were removed to Drogheda Hospital by ambulance and their injuries are non life-threatening.

This stretch of road (N2 Slane to Dublin Road from Rathfeigh Cross to Balrath Cross) is currently closed pending the completion of an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place.

Gardai wish to appeal for witnesses to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-8010600, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.