A fatal traffic collision in Co Armagh on Sunday morning claimed the lives of four young individuals. The victims, all in their twenties, were driving in a Volkswagen Golf along the Ballynahonemore Road near Armagh city when the tragedy occurred approximately 2.10 am Sunday morning. The incident has led to the closure of the scene for investigative purposes that were yet to be concluded by Monday.
The local community identified the four victims as Philip Mitchell, Emma Mallon, Keith Morrison, and Marina Crilly. Philip Mitchell and Marina Crilly hailed from Armagh city, while Emma Mallon and Keith Morrison were from a location near Middletown, along the border of Co Monaghan.
The devastating accident saw the vehicle collide with a tree before engulfing in flames, evoking shock and sorrow among the neighbouring residents, as William Irwin, a DUP MLA, detailed while speaking to the BBC. The entire episode was characterised as an “unspeakable tragedy” by a Police Service of Northern Ireland representative in context of its impact on the victims’ loved ones and the neighbourhood at large.
The District Commander Superintendent, Paul McGrattan, on Sunday called for any potential witnesses or individuals with useful information to assist in the careful and delicate investigation that was in progress. He also expressed the solidarity of the entire police force with the families and friends of the deceased.
Meanwhile, Police reported an additional fatality over the weekend, involving a man in his 40s who was hit by a Nissan car on the Forkhill Road in Newry, Co Down, on Saturday. He succumbed to his injuries not long after his hospital admission.
The tragic occurrences were met with deep shock and grief by the Newry and Armagh communities. Keith Ratcliffe, TUV chairman, conveyed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved. He also reinforced the importance of prudence while driving, triggered by these tragic incidents.
Currently, fifteen fatalities have been reported on Northern Ireland’s roads this year, exceeding last year’s count for the same duration by two.