Up to four people have sustained severe injuries in a multi-vehicle collision in west Cork this afternoon.

Some of the injured are being airlifted from the scene to Cork University Hospital.

Gardai say up to four vehicles were involved in the collision and the road will be closed for several hours.

Four children and their parents were the occupants of one of the vehicles involved in the collision, which happened at 2:50pm.

The mother and the children in that car have all been injured - it is believed one of the children is critical.

The driver of another car also sustained severe injuries. Gardai say one of the cars ended up in a ditch.

The crash happened at Owenahincha Cross in the Rosscarbery area.

Garda, emergency personal and a helicopter are at the scene and the road has been closed.