Double tragedy as two men killed in separate road accidents as Gardaí issue appeals

Two men have been killed in separate road accidents on Wednesday as Gardaí in Laois and Monaghan have issued urgent appeals for any witnesses to come forward.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a road traffic collision on Main Street, Abbeyleix, county Laois yesterday evening Wednesday January 28, 2026.

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The collision involving a car and a male pedestrian (aged in his 70's) occurred at approximately 7pm. The pedestrian was conveyed to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore where he was later pronounced deceased.

The road was closed for technical examination, and has since reopened.

No other injuries have been reported.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 6.30pm and 7:30pm yesterday evening are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station on (057) 8730580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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Meanwhile, Gardaí and emergency services also attended the scene of a fatal single-vehicle road traffic collision involving a car, at Inishammon, Smithboro, county Monaghan, on Wednesday January 28, 2026.

The collision, on the R187 between Monaghan and Rosslea, occurred at approximately 7.30pm.

The sole occupant of the car, a man aged in his 30’s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His body has been transferred to the Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The coroner has been notified.

The road remains closed pending technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

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Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R187 at Inishammon, county Monaghan, on Wednesday 28th January 2026 between 7.15pm and 8.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on (047) 77200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.