Two men have died following an accident on the N80 Portlaoise to Carlow road, close to Arles, Co Laois this morning.
A van and a motorcycle were in collision at about 6am.
The driver and passenger of the motorcycle, believed to be aged in their late 20s or 30s, were killed in the collision.
The van driver was taken to the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, but is not thought to be seriously injured.
The road at the scene is closed and diversions are in place.
LAOIS: N80 closed until at least lunchtime between Arles Village & Simmons' Mill after a fatal collision. http://t.co/7ppXwBtLBz
— The AA Ireland (@aaroadwatch) July 25, 2014
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident or anyone who was on the N80 between 5.30am and 6am to contact them at Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100.