Four young people have died in a road crash in Co Tipperary, Irish police have said.
The male driver, who was in his early 20s, and three female teenage passengers, were killed in the incident.
One car was involved in the tragedy which happened on Mountain Road in the town of Clonmel on Friday evening.
The victims are all understood to be from the local area.
It is thought they had been on their way to celebrate after receiving the results of their Leaving Certificate exams earlier.
Education minister Simon Harris TD said there was “grief, shock and sadness” after the “devastating” and “heartbreaking” incident.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Leaving Cert results day represents achievement, celebration and excitement.
“Tonight that has been replaced by grief, shock and sadness. Thinking of the families, friends and school community of the four young people. There are no words. Heartbreaking.”
Mountain Road in Clonmel will be closed overnight and into Saturday while the scene is examined by forensic investigators, police said.
The incident happened close to the entrance of Hillview Sports Club, RTE reported.
It added that the car was travelling downhill and is believed to have gone out of control and overturned.
‘Disbelief and numbness’
Mattie McGrath, Independent TD for Tipperary, said there was “disbelief and numbness” in Clonmel.
“The families involved are all local, from Clonmel and the surrounding area. It is utterly devastating. Our prayers are with the families and the whole community.”
Fine Gael councillor Declan Burgess said: “It’s heartbreaking news for the entire community.
“My prayers and thoughts are with the families involved.”
Scene examined by forensic experts
A Garda spokesperson said: “An incident room has been established at Clonmel Garda station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation.
“Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact the investigation team.”
The Leaving Certificate Examination, often referred to as the Leaving Cert, is the final exam of the Irish secondary school system.
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