Tributes after woman dies in tragic accident

FLORAL tributes have been left at the scene of an accident in Coleraine where a woman was killed.

Jill Elder from Garvagh, Co Londonderry, died at Railway Place car park on Friday night.

It is understood that the 43-year-old came out of the town’s train station and fell over as she walked in the car park.

It is understood a vehicle ran over her as she lay unconscious.

Emergency services cordoned off the scene as attempts were made to rescue Ms Elder, who had become trapped underneath the car.

Police confirmed her death on Saturday morning.

A local resident who was in the car park on Saturday afternoon said the community had been left shocked by what had happened.

“I know her mother and her brother better, but I know Jill through them,” they said.

“My deepest sympathies are with all the family.

“I am absolutely devastated, I can’t believe something like this could happen around here. “It’s just a shock to everybody.” Ms Elder, who was not married and had no children, was thought to have only recently returned to the area following a period of living and working in London.

PUP councillor Russell Watton described the accident as a tragedy.

“I was talking to her and her mother only a week ago when I was out canvassing, it’s just a freak tragedy,” he said.

A member of staff in a near- by fast food outlet watched in horror as attempts were made to save Ms Elder.

“I just saw all the flashing lights as they closed off the car park, it was absolutely awful,” they said.

“It’s horrendous for everyone involved, for both families.

“You have to feel for the driver of the car, too.”

PSNI Inspector Colin Reeves appealed for anyone who was in the car park around the time and who witnessed the incident to contact police to help them with their enquiries.