AN 18-YEAR-OLD has died after the car he was driving crashed near Gort in Co Galway last night.

The single vehicle collision occured at around 11.40pm and the driver was taken to University Hospital Galway, where he later died.

A passenger, 18, was injured in the crash and was taken to the same hospital, where he is understood to be in stable condition.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them at 091 636 400 or via the Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111.

A section of the road has been sealed off to facilitate a forensic examination of the crash scene. AA Roadwatch has issued the following information:

The Old N18 Galway/Ennis Road is closed between Lough Cutra and Blackwater south of Gort following a fatal crash. Traffic is being diverted but motorists can take the motorway instead. This will affect Bus Éireann services on routes 51 and 51x through Crusheen.