Four young men have been killed in a crash in Co Donegal.
Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene of the single vehicle crash on a local road near Magheraroarty in Gortahork just before 9pm last night.
All four men - believed to be in their 20s - who were in their car were pronounced dead at the scene.
They've been named locally as John Harley (24) and Sean Harkin (22) from Falcarragh, Daniel Scott (early 20s) from Gortahork and Michael Roarty (24) from Dunlewey.
The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.
The road remains closed this morning with local diversions in place.
It's not known at this stage how the crash happened and investigations are ongoing.
Any witnesses are being asked to contact Milford Garda Station on 074-915-3060 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.
Garda Superintendent David Kelly makes an appeal for information regarding a crash in West Donegal in which four young men lost their lives overnight #Donegal pic.twitter.com/9dqEA77VrL
— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) January 28, 2019
Speaking this morning, Superintendent David Kelly said: "I'd like sincerely on behalf of the guards and my other colleagues to offer condolences to the family, friends and community over this tragic incident.
"If anybody seen that silver Toyota Corolla 01-DL travelling in the direction of Magheraroarty to Gweedore yesterday evening, prior to 8.40pm - or indeed earlier in the day - could they please contact gardaí."
Four young men who died in a car crash in West Donegal overnight have been named locally as John Harley (24) and Sean Harkin (22) from Falcarragh, Daniel Scott (early 20s) from Gortahork and Michael Roarty (24) from Dunlewey. @NewstalkFM #Donegal pic.twitter.com/uHl95dwgks
— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) January 28, 2019
"Numbing and devastating"
Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal, said the local community is devastated by the news.
Devastating news from Gaoth Dobhair tonight. A cloud of sadness over the area. Thoughts and prayers are with those involved and their families.
— Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) January 27, 2019
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, he explained: "Four young people lost their lives... four friends, in their early 20s.
"It's numbing and devastating, the sadness that has gripped this parish and the surrounding area. Our thoughts are with the families and friends this morning, in trying to deal with this terrible sadness and grief."
He added: "The road where the accident occurred is a very quiet road... it's a narrow road.
"It is a rural road, but one that would be travelled quite often... unfortunately it's a road where there has been accidents and serious incidents in the past."
Father Sean Ó Gallchóir is the parish priest in Gortahork, and he said his thoughts are with all those who knew the men.
He observed: "I'd like to sympathise with their parents and families and friends.
"All of the young people in the west of Donegal would have known the boys - they were very well known and well liked."
