Updated 16.45pm

A YOUNG GIRL and three women have died in a car crash near Mullingar.

Gardaí at Mullingar are investigating the fatal collision which occurred in the townland of Portnashangan, near Mullingar, County Westmeath just before 7.45am this morning.

The gardaí confirmed that the child killed was just ten years old. The three women killed in the crash were in their late 30s and early 40s.

A car and a jeep collided, killing the young girl and three women in the car. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their bodies have been taken by ambulance to Mullingar General Hospital.

The male driver of the jeep, aged 50, was removed to Mullingar General Hospital with minor injuries.

The section of the N4 road has been closed to facilitate a Garda Forensic Collision examination. Diversions are in place.

Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

They are particularly appealing to anyone who may have observed a gold coloured Nissan Almera (03 registered) or a black Kia Sorento jeep (06 registered) travelling on the Mullingar – Edgeworthstown stretch of the N4 between 7am and 7.45am this morning.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses who may have travelled the road this morning to contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044-938 4000 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

First published 10.56am

Additional reporting Christina Finn