A man in his 70s has died following a two vehicle collision in Cork.

It happened on the M8 motorway at Rathcormac, on the southbound carriageway at junction 16.

A 4x4 and a van collided head on at around 11.30am Friday.

The driver of the 4x4 was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the van, a man believed to be aged in his late 20s, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Cork.

His condition is understood to be serious but stable.

A traffic management plan is in place, with southbound traffic being diverted away from the collision site.

It is expected the road will remain closed for the rest of Friday afternoon.

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are to attend the scene and the local coroner has been notified.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Fermoy garda station on 025-82100, or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666-111.