"It was like a cloud fell over the town."

Aisling Moore and daughter Abbigael died following a collision between a car and a lorry which occurred on Tuesday at around 5:45pm on the N26 in Lismoran, Foxford, Co. Mayo.

It is understood that Aisling, 40s, and her eight-year-old daughter Abbigael were from nearby Swinford.

The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital, but it is believed their injuries are non-life threatening.

Woman and child killed in tragic Co. Mayo road accident

Fianna Fáil councillor for Swinford, Co Mayo, John Caufield, said that the news was ‘like a cloud fell over the town.’

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said that the residents of the local area are ‘just silent this morning, in shock.’

He added: "You can only imagine the young child starting off the summer holidays with all the dreams of spending time with her parents, grandparents and days out, all cut short, never to be again."

Councillor Joe Faughnan also weighed in on the tragic news, saying: "There is a great sense of shock in the community as we await more details about the collision.

"It is just so sad and there is a dark cloud hanging over the area. All my thoughts and condolences are with the family affected by the tragedy.

"Every road death is one that we hope to avoid, and it is so sad for the family and a massive shock for all involved."

Gardaí issued a statement following the fatal accident:

"Gardaí are currently at the scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Lismoran, Foxford, County Mayo this evening, Tuesday 2nd July 2024.

"The collision, which involved a car and a lorry, occurred on the N26 at approximately 5.45 pm.

"The driver of the car, a female aged in her 40s, and a passenger of the car, a female child, were fatally injured in the collision. The bodies of the deceased remain at the scene."

The scene of the tragedy has been closed with local diversions in place.

A technical examination will also be conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Witnesses have been urged to come forward following the harrowing accident.

Gardaí are eager to speak to anyone who may have camera footage

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward from the time of the incident.

They're also asking anyone who was travelling on the N26 between Swinford and Foxford between 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm on Tuesday evening to come forward.