A young couple planning to travel to Australia for a year-long trip died in a multiple pile up in Co Louth today as they made their way to a farewell party.
The pair, in their 20s, were killed when their car was involved in the accident on the main road between Belfast and Dublin and burst into flames, the Garda said.
Three lorries and the couple's car were involved in the incident at Monasterboice, north of Drogheda.
Witnesses said the car was preparing to turn in the road when it was in collision with a lorry.
It was then struck by another lorry before catching fire.
One of the heavy goods vehicles then crashed from the road down an embankment in the accident at lunchtime.
The names of the dead couple have not yet been released, but it is understood they were on their way to the woman's house where relatives of them both had gathered to wish them well on their trip.
They were due to fly to Australia this afternoon.
Following the accident the drivers of the other three vehicles were taken to hospital for treatment.
An investigation into the accident is under way.
The accident brings to 10 the number of people killed on Irish roads since last Thursday.
PA