LAST UPDATE | 12 Apr

TWO MEN ARE in a critical condition in hospital following a serious collision on the M9 at Kilkenny yesterday evening.

Gardaí remain at the scene at Junction 9, Kilkenny South where the incident occured. 

Three people involved in the collision were taken to Waterford University Hospital. 

The male driver in his 30s and male passenger also in his 30s from one car were taken to University Hospital Waterford with serious injuries. Gardaí said they were in a critical condition. 

The driver of the second car, a man in his 20s, is also receiving medical treatment for serious injuries at University Hospital Waterford.

The M9 is closed between Junction 8 and Junction 9 southbound with diversions in effect. 

A technical examination of the scene will be conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, a garda spokesperson said.

This incident comes following two fatalities on Irish roads since Wednesday.

A man, aged in his 20s, died following a two-car collision in Co Kerry earlier in the week and another man, also aged in his 20s, died following a crash between a car and a lorry in Cork yesterday morning.