Up to 14 vehicles involved in Cork collision

Both the main Cork to Dublin and Cork to Waterford roads closed on Tuesday following two separate multiple vehicle crashes following heavy sleet and hail this afternoon.

Both lanes of the N8 Cork-Dublin road closed after four vehicles were involved in a collision at Kilbehenny just outside Mitchelstown at about 2.30pm.

Driving conditions were treacherous at the time following a heavy shower of sleet and hail. It is not believed that anyone was seriously hurt in the multiple vehicle collision.

Meanwhile the westward lane of the N25 Cork Waterford Road wass closed near the junction of Cobh following a pile up involving up to 14 vehicles all heading towards Cork city.

The collisions happened at about 3pm just on the city side of the Cobh turn-off after another heavy shower of sleet and hail which gardaí say made driving conditions hazardous.

It is understood that no one was seriously injured but paramedics were assessing the injured and firefighters used cutting equipment to free some casualties.

Both roads reopened by 6pm.

Meanwhile gardi have appealed to road users to take extra care on Tuesday evening due to heavy rain and hail showers.

In a statement the Garda reminded motorists to leave extra distance with the vehicle in front , to take extra care driving behind trucks or buses which generate spray and to watch for vulnerable road users.

It urged pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists to wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt. It said pedestrians should walk on a footpath, and if there is no footpath, walk on the right hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.