Gardaí have announced the death of two men, both in their 20s, this morning, following separate road accidents in Athlone and Westmeath.

A 26-year-old motorcyclist collided with three cars at the Pigeons, Athlone at approximately 8pm last night.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene but pronounced dead a short time later.

The road was closed for forensic testing and local diversions were put in place.

In Monaghan, a male driver in his 20s was involved in a single vehicle collision at Lurgans, Carrickmacross just after midnight.

The driver and only occupant of the car was fatally injured after colliding with a ditch outside the town.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road has been closed to traffic and local diversions are in place.

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested to examine both scenes and the Coroner has been notified.

Gardaí have called for anyone with any information on the accidents to contact them.