M18 closed following collisions

Update:

1.45pm – One lane northbound from Crusheen to Gort now reopened. Southbound section still closed. Drive with care.

1.55pm – Both lanes northbound now reopened. One lane southbound open also. One still closed.

3.00pm – All lanes now reopened. Two people taken to hospital.

Earlier: The M18 motorway connecting counties Clare and Galway has been closed in both directions following at least two multi-vehicle collisions.

The first crash, described as serious, is reported to be just south of Junction 16 Gort and is understood to be blocking the southbound lanes.

Emergency services from Galway and Clare were responding to the incident when they were alerted to a second collision in the same location in the northbound carriageway.

It’s understood two vehicles have been involved in that incident and that has left the road.

Units of the fire brigade from Gort and Ennis along with a number of ambulances and Garda patrols are at the scene.

Gardaí have warned of treacherous conditions in the area following heavy downpours of hail and rain.