Heartache as man, 40s, killed in horrific crash between van & lorry in Meath and busy motorway closed amid garda probe

A MAN has been killed in a crash between a van and a truck in Co Meath this morning.

The horrific collision took place on the M3 at Dunshaughlin shortly after 2am this morning.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene but the driver of the van, a man aged in his 40s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

His body has been removed to Navan mortuary and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The Coroner has been notified

Gardai said the driver of the truck was taken to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown as a precaution.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, with gardai sealing off a section of the road northbound between Junctions five and six for a technical examination.

Officers have urged anyone who may have any information to come forward.

In a statement this morning, a spokesperson for the force said: “The northbound lanes between Junctions five and six have been closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

“Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.”

In particular, motorists with dash-cam footage from the area between 1.15am and 2.15am are asked to come forward.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 8010600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

“Investigations are currently ongoing.”

Meanwhile, motorists are facing delays on several other routes this morning.

A vehicle breakdown on the M50 northbound between Junction three and Junction two is causing heavy traffic.

Congestion has also been reported on several other stretches of the M50, with drivers warned to expect delays.

Heavy traffic has been reported northbound between Junction nine and Junction six, while delays are also building southbound between Junction six and Junction 11.

And further congestion has been noted between Junction 10 and Junction 13 in both directions.

Public transport services have also been impacted this morning.

Luas Green Line services are running with delays following an earlier medical emergency at Stillorgan.

Passengers have been told that Luas tickets will be accepted on Dublin Bus for the duration of the disruption.

Meanwhile, Irish Rail has warned that several services between Heuston, Carlow, Newbridge and Limerick are operating with reduced capacity today following a vandalism incident.

And the 7am Cork to Heuston service has been delayed by nine minutes at Mallow this morning following a passenger issue.