Three Irish people who died in a horror car crash in Malaga have been named as Amy McCullagh, her brother-in-law Mark McCullagh and his partner Michaela Newcombe.

The trio were with Mark’s older brother Ian (Amy’s partner) when their car collided with another on the A-7 motorway before plunging 100ft down a ravine in the early hours of Sunday.

The two couples were believed to have been holidaying when the tragedy unfolded shortly after 2.30am near the Cerrado de Calderon exit.

All three were declared dead at the scene while Ian McCullagh, who is aged in his mid 30s, was rushed to Carlos Haya Hospital with serious injuries.

A 64-year-old woman, meanwhile, was treated at the scene by emergency crews.

Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTE Radio 1, Ireland’s finance minister Robert Troy said the families affected are from Ballynacargy in Westmeath.

He said: ‘I know one of the families quite well. I spoke to them yesterday, and needless to say, they’re absolutely devastated. It’s the worst of phone calls to get.

‘They only went on holidays at the end of last week, and to get this call yesterday evening was was heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with that family, indeed all families that are affected.’

Friends have expressed their shock and heartbreak online in a series of touching tributes.

Ryan Sabourin branded Michaela his ‘beautiful friend’, adding: ‘My heart is broke over you and everyone involved, anyone that knows her knows she was one of a kind, the nicest soul inside and out.

‘I’ll never forget yous all, they will all be missed, town won’t be right for a long time.’

Shannon Jessop said: ‘Rest in peace beautiful girl Michaela, one of a kind and a pleasure to have known you I’ll cherish the memories we have with you forever.’

According to Andalucia’s emergency service 112, two vehicles collided, causing one of them to leave the motorway and plunge into a nearby ravine.

Emergency crews, including the Guardia Civil, firefighters, Local Police and paramedics, rushed to the scene.

Firefighters worked to free people trapped inside the wreckage.

The 061 emergency medical service confirmed the deaths of two women and one man at the scene.

A 64-year-old woman was treated at the roadside, while a 35-year-old man was taken to Malaga’s Regional University Hospital with injuries.

In a statement, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and is providing consular assistance to the families involved.

It added that it does not comment on the specifics of individual cases.

In a separate incident, a motorcyclist was found dead on the Montes de Malaga road after being reported missing on Saturday.

Emergency services launched a search before discovering the rider’s body on Sunday morning.

No further details have yet been released about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Guardia Civil has opened investigations into both fatal accidents.