A BABY, mum and dad were all killed in a devastating fireball smash that claimed four lives on the M6 in Galway.

       The driver of another car, who allegedly drove the wrong way along the motorway, also lost his life in the three-vehicle crash.

       4

       Four people lost their lives in the horror smash on the M6 in Co Galway Credit: Ray Ryan 4

       The crash happened at about 7.40pm on Thursday on the M6 near Ballinasloe Credit: Hany Marzouk

       It could take 'days' to identify the bodies and confirm who the victims are, reported the Irish Mirror.

       However, it is understood that the three people in one car were a couple with their baby.

       A source said: “The bodies have not been identified yet and could take some time for that process to be completed.

       “This was an awful crash. You just have to look at the scene and the state of the cars to see how bad it was.”

       It brings to six the number of people killed on Irish roads in the past 24 hours.

       The cars exploded into a devastating fireball in the collision, which occurred at about 7.40pm on Thursday on the M6 near Ballinasloe, on the Dublin to Galway motorway,

       All four were pronounced dead at the scene and the bodies were taken to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe for a post-mortem, which will be conducted at a later date.

       A motorist in a third car was also hospitalised, but their injuries were last night described as not life-threatening.

       RTE reports that just after 7.30pm on Thursday, a car was allegedly seen driving towards oncoming traffic on the westbound carriage way of the M6.

       Most read in The Sun

       Exclusive

       HOLIDAY CHAOS Mass brawl erupts at Adventure Island after gang tried to 'push in' for ride

       OH BABY! Kylie 'PREGNANT with second child' as her and Travis 'feel new baby is a blessing'

       LIGHT UP Predictions for next week’s green-amber list shuffle, according to travel experts

       LAUR & ORDER Lauren Goodger seen for the first time since giving birth to first baby Larose

       SEAN'S FIGHT Sean Lock died from lung cancer after diagnosis years ago, Bill Bailey reveals

       It is alleged that the single-occupant vehicle travelled the wrong way down a slip road and onto the dual carriageway.

       This vehicle then allegedly collided head-on with a car carrying three people.

       It’s understood the emergency services were greeted by a horrific scene when they reached the crash site.

       The M6 remained closed on Friday in both directions between junction 14 and 15, with forensic investigators at the scene.

       'DARK 24 HOURS'

       On Friday, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and gardai issued an urgent appeal asking people to take greater care on the roads.

       Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA, said it had been a "dark 24 hours".

       Mr Waide said: "Our thoughts are with the families of those who have been killed.

       "These deaths should serve to remind us that everyone is at risk when using the roads, we are at risk at any time of the day or week.

       "Life is fragile and using the roads is one of the most dangerous things we do each day, we must never forget this."

       Gardai have asked any witnesses to come forward and any road users who may have camera footage of the crash to contact them.

       Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said: "Not only has it been a horrific 24 hours on the roads, we are also seeing an increase in road deaths this year compared to the same period last year.

       "Road tragedies affect all parts of the country, every fatal or serious injury collision has a devastating impact on family, friends and communities."

       Ninety-two people have died in fatal road traffic crashes to date in 2021.

       4

       Traffic backed up on the M6 after the horrific three-car collision Credit: Hany Marzouk 4

       The Gardai has asked people to stay safe on the roads Credit: Ray Ryan