One man has died and another is in a critical condition following a two car crash in Cork this evening.

Gardaí are at the scene of a collision on the R618, Cork to Ballincollig Road, at an area known at Leemount Cross.

The collision occurred at about 8.30pm.

One car with five men in their early 20s on board collided with a second car occupied by two women in their late 20s.

A passenger in the first car, a man in his early 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, has been taken to Cork University Hospital, with what are described as critical injuries.

The other three occupants of this car (all men) and the two females from the other car were all taken to CUH, their injuries are not thought to be serious.

The road at the scene is closed and diversions are in place. Garda forensic collision investigators are at the scene carrying out an examination of the crash site.

The road is not expected to re-open before mid-day tomorrow.