Gardaí have closed the N20 Cork-Limerick road near the Waterloo junction, on the outskirts of Cork city, after the collision between two cars which occurred shortly after 11am on Monday.
The male driver of one car suffered multiple injuries and was rushed to Cork University Hospital. His condition has been described as "critical."
A female was also treated at the scene for injuries – her injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. Another person was treated for shock and has not maintained any injuries.
Gardaí, Cork Fire Brigade units and a number ambulances attended the scene. Gurranabraher Gardaí have closed the section of road involved to facilitate the work of the emergency services.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area as diversions will be in place for the remainder of the day.
The Gardaí confirmed the news in a statement released on Monday.
"We can confirm a collision occurred on the N20 Cork to Mallow road this morning
at around 11am at the Waterloo Junction. The road will be closed for technical examination. If travelling to Limerick please use the M8," the statement read.
"A male (no age yet) will be taken to hospital and his injuries are thought to be critical."
Gardaí have now appealed for witnesses to the collision to contact them.
Anyone with information on the tragedy or the movements of the vehicles involved is asked to contact Gurranabraher Garda Station on (021) 4946200.
This is the same junction where two US tourists died in a head-on collision last September.
These tourists, also American, died after a collision between their hire car, an articulated lorry and another vehicle on September 11 near a turn-off to Blarney Castle off the N20.
Both tourists who died last September were aged in their 60s. Their partners were also injured in the accident but both survived.
