Pupils in 'incredible shock' after teacher among five killed in Co Louth horror crash

Pupils were left in "incredible shock" following a horrific two-vehicle collision in Co Louth that claimed five lives. Schoolchildren were heartbroken after their teacher, 23-year-old Chloe McGee, was among the five individuals tragically killed in a crash near Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland, on Saturday night (November 15). O Fiaich College principal Padraig McGovern expressed his disbelief, saying "to think we're going to school today and she won't be there is an incredible shock." Speaking to BBC's Good Morning Ulster earlier today (November 17), he stated: "And to convey that to students , to young people who find it difficult to process something, or even more difficult than we do, is just a major challenge." Ms McGee was one of five young individuals who lost their lives in the tragic incident. The victims included Ms McGee, 23, from Carrickmacross; Shay Duffy, 21, also from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan; Alan McCluskey, 23, from Drumconrath in Co Meath; Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee in Co Louth, and Chloe Hipson, 21, from Lanarkshire in Scotland. A sixth individual, also in his 20s, who was in the car is currently receiving treatment in hospital for non-life threatening injuries . Two other individuals were also injured in what Irish police described as a "shocking and devastating" crash, reports the Mirror . The incident, which involved a Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser, occurred on a road near Dundalk just after 9pm. A man and woman from the other vehicle were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, for treatment for non-life threatening injuries. South Lanarkshire College, where Ms Hipson was a former student, issued a statement expressing their sorrow: "Everyone at South Lanarkshire College is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Chloe Hipson. Chloe was a bright and dedicated student who studied on our Quantity Surveying programme and was highly regarded by all her classmates and staff at the College. Our thoughts are with Chloe's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time." Amateur football teams in Lanarkshire have also expressed their condolences following Ms Hipson's death. North Motherwell FC, where her brother Ryan Hipson was a veteran player, announced they would be holding a minute's silence in her memory. The club stated: "Ryan you and your family have always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at NMFC and are very much still part of our football family, I am sure everyone will join me in sending our deepest condolences to you, Toni, Ryan, wee Tommy and all your family at this life-shattering time." An investigation has been launched into the incident on the L3168 at Gibstown and an appeal for information has been made. Speaking near the scene on Sunday, Superintendent Charlie Armstrong said: "Yesterday evening, just after 9pm, there was a serious road traffic collision involving two vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser. Five occupants of the Volkswagen Golf, three males and two females, all in their early 20s, are deceased at the scene." He confirmed that family liaison officers have been assigned to each of the families and gardai will provide them with regular updates. Mr Armstrong stated: "I want to express my condolences and sympathies and the sympathies of every member of An Garda Siochana to the families of the five young adults who lost their lives yesterday evening in this road traffic collision." He revealed that a major incident response was launched on Saturday night by gardai and emergency services including Dundalk Fire Brigade, HSE paramedics and hospital staff. Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to take place in the coming days. Mr Armstrong continued: "The scene was very difficult, in adverse weather conditions, and the professionalism shown by all first responders and the care and respect shown to the five deceased was exemplary. This tragedy, with the loss of five young adults, will have a deep impact on families and local communities in Carrickmacross, Crumconrath and in Scotland. "This is a shocking, devastating event for these families, their communities and the community here in Dundalk. I want to take the opportunity to appeal to any person with any information on this road traffic collision to contact the investigation team at Dundalk Garda Station. "I am appealing to any person who was on the L3168 between 8.30pm and 9.15pm last night, Saturday November 15 2025, to contact the Garda investigation team. I am appealing to any person who might have any camera footage or images from the L3168, Gibstown area, between 8.30pm and 9.15pm last night, to give that footage or images to the investigation team at Dundalk Garda Station. "The investigation team can be contacted at Dundalk Garda Station on 042 9388400, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station." He continued: "Finally, I once again want to express my sympathies to the families of the five young people who lost their lives yesterday evening." For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .