Two people have been airlifted to hospital following a crash on the M9 motorway close to Carlow town.
The collision involved three vehicles and took place shortly after 7am in the southbound lane, between junction four at Castledermot and junction five at Carlow.
One of the drivers, a man aged in his early 80s, was seriously injured and removed to St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. He remains in a serious condition.
The second male driver (30s) was airlifted to hospital from the scene and is also in a serious condition. The third driver, a woman in her 20s, was removed to St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny with non-life threatening injuries.
Gardaí and emergency services have closed the motorway in both directions.
Motorists are being diverted through Carlow town which is causing traffic delays.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Kildare Garda station on (045) 527730, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
