THE family and friends of a woman who died in a road crash yesterday have urged people not to share any videos or images from the scene of the collision.

Jackie Griffin, who was aged in her 30s, died in a multi-vehicle collision on the M50 northbound at around 11.30am yesterday morning.

Ms Griffin was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later and an investigation is underway.

The driver of a second car, a man aged in his 50s, was brought to Connolly Hospital by ambulance, his condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

A lorry and a third car were also involved in the collision, no other injuries have been reported.

Graphic videos and photos from the immediate aftermath of the collision were circulated on social media after the crash and loved ones of Ms Griffin have posted online urging people not to share these posts.

They have also requested that these images are reported to social media platforms.

Gardai issued a formal plea about the sharing of these images last night.

"Investigating Gardaí are aware of images taken at the crash site currently being circulated online and are asking people not to share or circulate the images out of respect to the family of the deceased and those involved in the collision," they said in a statement.

Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon called the pictures an "absolute disgrace" and pleaded with people to think of Ms Griffin's grieving family and friends.

He said: "It's an absolute disgrace that someone in their right mind thinks it's ok to take pictures and videos of another human being after an horrific accident.

"Think of the person and his/her family. Would you like it. If you get sent it delete it out of respect."

The Ballymun Utd FC Twitter account cautioned people about the role of social media in tragic circumstances.

They wrote under McMahon's post: "Agree Philly 100% we live in an era when 'shares' and 'likes' is more important than basic human values- when social media is so wrong - humanity is failing - selfies and who is first with the 'news' is so important to those who don’t really engage with humans."

Fine Gael TD Colm Brophy has called for regulations to prevent content like this being shared online.

"This week alone, family and friends who have to come to terms with the loss of a loved one should not have to hear that voyeurs are sending images through WhatsApp.

"We must have modern rules and regulations for social media that respect human decency and the privacy of other individuals. If traditional media can abide by this and have socially accepted boundaries in which they operate while still providing all with a public service, social media companies must also.

"They are publishers and have to be responsible as do those who use their products and services," the Dublin South-West TD said.

There were four vehicles involved - however, an impact between two cars caused the most serious damage, including the loss of life.

"As far as we are aware, one car was in a collision with another car, which then collided with a crash barrier," a source told the Irish Independent last night.

"The woman in that vehicle which hit the barrier suffered catastrophic injuries."

Local Tallaght councillor Louise Dunne said last night that her thoughts were with the crash victim's family and her friends.

Another family friend described Ms Griffin as "a gem of a person".

Anyone with information is urged to contact Finglas Garda Station 01-6667500 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Online Editors