A man in his 50s is in critical condition following two separate collisions involving three cars in Co Meath.

The first crash occurred at 2.06am on Saturday (August 15) on the R132 at Smithstown, Julianstown in Co Meath. Two vehicles were travelling southbound to Dublin when vehicle two rear-ended vehicle one.

Both occupants of the two vehicles were uninjured in this collision, and both vehicles pulled over to the side of the road.

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A man in his 50s is in critical condition following two separate collisions involving three cars in Co Meath. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

Approximately 10 minutes later, a third vehicle collided with the rear of vehicle two. The driver of vehicle two, a man in his 50s, was standing at the rear of his vehicle at the time of the collision, and suffered serious injuries.

The driver of vehicle two has been removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where he remains in critical condition.

The driver of the third vehicle, a man in his 40s, was uninjured in that collision. The scene is currently preserved for examination by Forensic Collision Investigators, and diversions are in place in the area.

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Following a minor collision involving two cars, a third car crashed into the rear of the second car; the driver of the second car, who was standing at the rear of his car, suffered serious injuries. Pic: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who was travelling on the R132 in the Smithstown, Julianstown area of Co Meath between 1.20am and 2.20am on Saturday morning, particularly if they have footage including dash cam footage, is asked to come forward.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda station on 01 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.