A four-year-old boy has died following a two car collision near Portarlington, Co Laois last night.
The boy’s mother was seriously injured in the accident which occurred at Ballymorris on the outskirts of Portarlington at around 8.40pm. A seven-year-old boy who was also in the car received minor injuries.
The two boys were taken to the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise where the four-year-old was pronounced dead last night. The woman, who is in her 30s, was taken to the Midland Regional Hospital at Tullamore.
Gardaí arrested the driver and sole occupant of the second car. He has since been released without charge.
The road between Portarlington and Portlaoise remains closed as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators carry out an examination.
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to the collision to contact Portarlington Garda Station on 057 8623112 the Garda confidential telephone line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.