Two men have died following a horror crash just days after Christmas. Four others, including a baby, have been taken to hospital for treatment and one woman remains in a critical condition.
Emergency services raced to the Killylea Road in County Armagh after the alarm was raised at around 12.45pm on Friday, December 27. As reported by Belfast Live, the road was closed for several hours following the collision and reopened to traffic in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council said the joy of the Christmas season has been “overshadowed by an unimaginable tragedy”. Councillor Sarah Duffy said: “This Christmas season, which is meant to bring families together in joy and celebration, has been overshadowed by an unimaginable tragedy in our community.
“Today, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of lives due to a devastating road traffic collision. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who are facing this pain, especially at this time of year. We cannot begin to comprehend the depth of their loss, and we stand with them in their grief. I want to thank the emergency services, who responded swiftly and with immense professionalism under these difficult circumstances.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during the holiday season when our roads are often busier. I urge everyone to take extra care, whether driving, cycling, or walking, and to ensure that we protect ourselves and those around us. As a community, we will come together to support those affected in the very sad times ahead”.
A police spokesperson said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland can confirm that two men have sadly died following a two vehicle road traffic collision on the Killylea Road outside Killylea, County Armagh.”
Inspector Cherith Adair, from the Collision Investigation Unit, added: “Police received a report shortly before 12:45pm yesterday, Friday December 27, of a collision involving a dark grey Audi and a black Mercedes. Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. Both men died at the scene. Four others, including a baby, were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“One of the women sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital in a critical condition at this time. The Killylea Road, which was closed for a period of time, has now fully reopened.
“Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances of the collision, and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with our enquiries. You can call 101 and quote reference 740 of 27/12/24 or report online.”
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