FIVE KILLED IN TWO WEEKEND CRASHES
Four people die in smash and male pedestrian struck
A COMMUNITY has been left “stunned” by the news of five deaths in two collisions over the weekend.
Four people died in a single-vehicle crash on the Ballynahonemore Road in Armagh at around 2.10am yesterday morning.
The crash involved a grey Volkswagen Golf and the driver and three passengers, who last night had not been formally identified, were declared deceased at the scene.
DUP MLA William Irwin said the car “hit a tree and burst into flames”.
“Four young people have lost their lives,” he added.
“I have been talking to neighbours that live close by what happened and everyone is in a total state of shock.”
He added the people who tragically died were two young men and two young women.
Sinn Fein’s Cathal Boylan expressed his condolences with the families and friends of the four who lost their lives.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn that four people tragically lost their lives in a collision on the Ballynahonemore Road this morning.
“I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of all those involved in this tragic accident.
“This has left the entire community stunned and heartbroken. We will all rally around to support these families in what will be difficult days ahead.”
PSNI District Commander Superintendent Paul Mcgrattan said: “This is an unspeakable tragedy for the families involved, and for the wider community, who will understandably struggle to comprehend such loss of life.
“A thorough and sensitive
SYMPATHY Ms O’neill investigation is now underway and anyone with information that could assist us is asked to get in touch with the Collision Investigation Unit.
“The thoughts of the entire Police Service are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.”
First Minister Michelle O’neill said: “It’s heartbreaking to learn of the tragic loss of five lives in devastating road accidents in Armagh and Newry.
“My heart goes out to the families, friends, and the local communities affected by these awful tragedies.
“They are all in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson offered his sympathies. He said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the four deceased in this devastating incident.”
In a separate incident in Co Armagh, a male pedestrian, aged in his 40s, died after being struck by a Nissan car at around 10.40pm on Saturday.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “The man was taken to hospital following the collision but sadly died from his injuries a short time later.
TUV chairman Keith Ratcliffe said the two accidents were a sobering reminder of the danger of the roads.
He continued: “A sense of profound shock has gripped the entire community of Newry and Armagh in the aftermath of these two crashes which, in the space of a few hours, have ushered five lives out into eternity.
“I offer the sympathy of my party and myself to the loved ones left behind.
“I trust the police investigation will get to the bottom of what exactly took place.
“Regardless of the circumstances, however, these tragic accidents are a sobering reminder of the need for care on our roads.”
We will all rally round to support these families CATHAL BOYLAN SPEAKING YESTERDAY