A number of people have died and four others have been seriously injured following a two-car crash on the M9 in Co. Kildare.

The collision happened on the northbound carriageway at Junction 3 near Moone at around 3am this morning.

Gardaí say one vehicle was travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway when it collided with a second car.

A number of fatalities have been confirmed, although Gardaí have not yet provided further details.

The female driver and front-seat passenger of the second car, both in their 30s, are in a critical condition at Tallaght University Hospital.

A woman in her 20s was taken to St Luke’s Hospital with serious injuries, while a child was taken to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin and is also in a serious condition.

Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, has been notified and an independent investigation is underway.

The watchdog has stressed that a referral does not necessarily mean any Garda has been accused of wrongdoing.

The M9 remains closed in both directions between Junctions 3 and 4 while a forensic examination takes place, with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who travelled on the M9 between 2am and 3am, particularly those with dashcam footage, to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact Athy Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.