LAST UPDATE | 2 Jul

TWO MEMBERS OF the same family died this evening when the car in which they were travelling collided with a lorry in Co Mayo.

The deceased are believed to be a mother in her 40s and her young daughter.

The collision occurred shortly before 6pm on the N26 at Callow between Foxford and Swinford.

It is understood the bodies remain at the scene this evening as a major emergency operation, involving paramedics, gardai and fire brigade personnel continues.

The mother and daughter are understood to be from the local central Co. Mayo area.

The N26 is closed pending the completion of a garda forensic collision investigation of the crash scene which has been described by one local as “horrific”.

The route has been closed with diversions in place until further notice.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision on the N26 in Foxford, County Mayo this evening, Tuesday 2nd July 2024.”

The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital with injuries that are understood to be non-life threatening, gardaí confirmed.

“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward,” a garda statement said.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N26 between Swinford and Foxford between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday evening are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.”

Responding to the news, Taoiseach Simon Harris said on X: “Thinking of the grieving family, friends and community in Mayo tonight. Heartbreaking, tragic news. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”