According to emerging reports, an early morning collision in Co Clare has claimed the life of one male driver and seriously injured his female passenger.

It has been established that the accident happened at about 4am at Carraig Hill, approximately five miles from Co Limerick.

It is so far understood that the vehicle lost control and hit a tree, but that no other vehicles were involved in the early morning incident.

Despite the arrival of fire crews from Limerick City and Shannon in addition to HSE ambulances, attempts to revive the male at the scene were unsuccessful.

After being treated and stabilised at the scene, the female occupant of the car was transferred to University Hospital Limerick where she remains in a serious condition.

Pending a forensic examination, the road will remain closed until later today.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone who was in the area at the time is asked to contact Gardaí at Mayorstone Garda station on 061 456980, on the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or at any Garda station.