Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage after a fatal two-car collision on Bellews Bridge Road in County Louth
The Gardai have confirmed that a woman in her 60s has died after a two-car collision on Bellews Bridge Road in County Louth. The incident occurred shortly after 1:45pm and involved two vehicles. Emergency services attended the scene where the driver of one car, the woman in her 60s and the sole occupant of that vehicle, was pronounced dead.
Her body was later transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda for a post-mortem examination.
The other driver, a woman in her 30s and the sole occupant of the second vehicle, was taken to the same hospital with injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening.
At the time of reporting, Gardaí have closed the road while a technical and forensic examination is underway. The force has issued an appeal asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have relevant footage, to come forward to assist the investigation.
What happened at the scene
According to Garda statements, the collision took place on Bellews Bridge Road at Castletown shortly after 1:45pm. Both cars were occupied only by their drivers and the immediate response involved paramedics and local Garda units. The woman in her 60s was pronounced deceased at the scene; the other driver was treated and conveyed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. The location was secured for a comprehensive technical examination, and the stretch of road remains closed to traffic while investigators work to reconstruct the events that led to the collision.
Emergency response and ongoing investigation
Gardaí have deployed forensic collision investigators to carry out a detailed inspection of the scene, including vehicle positions, road markings and environmental factors. The term technical examination refers to the step-by-step process used to gather physical evidence and to document the scene for later analysis. Investigators will also examine any mechanical or infrastructural issues that could have contributed. The body of the deceased has been transported to hospital for a formal post-mortem, which will help establish cause of death and support the broader inquiry.
Forensic priorities and evidence collection
Forensic teams are looking at both vehicles and the surrounding area for clues that could explain how the crash occurred. This includes photographing the scene, collecting debris, and recording skid marks or signs of evasive manoeuvres. The process performed by collision investigators is meticulous because it informs medical findings and any subsequent legal procedures. While the scene remains closed, specialists are working to preserve evidence and create a clear timeline of the events that unfolded shortly after 1:45pm.
How the public can assist the inquiry
Gardaí have made a direct appeal for information from road users who may have witnessed the crash or who recorded the area on cameras or mobile devices. Of particular interest is any dash-cam or private CCTV footage captured between 1:30pm and 2:00pm on Wednesday 15th April 2026. Such recordings can be crucial in corroborating witness statements and helping investigators piece together the sequence of events. The force is urging anyone with material to come forward without delay.
Contact points and what to provide
Members of the public with information are asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station at 042 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. When contacting investigators, please be prepared to provide the time and location of any footage, a brief description of what is visible, and your own contact details so officers can follow up. Supplying exact timestamps for video files and noting the direction of travel can make footage significantly more useful to the ongoing investigation.
Community impact and next steps
The collision has had an immediate impact on the Castletown area, with traffic diversions and an increased Garda presence while the investigation continues. The family of the deceased has been notified, and the community has been asked to respect their privacy at this difficult time. As the inquiry progresses, Gardaí will release further updates where appropriate. Meanwhile, the public is reminded that timely witness information and any dash-cam evidence can materially assist in establishing the facts of this tragic incident.
