Crash Horror On Roads

There has been further tragedy on the roads with news this morning that a man in his 30s has died following a traffic accident in Co Fermanagh.

He was driving a car when it left the Ballyconnell Road, Derrylin, in the early hours of Monday, 28 June.

Police said they believed no other vehicles were involved, but have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash, or came across the scene before the ambulance arrived, to contact them.

The deceased has not yet been named and the road remains closed.

A child has also been killed in a weekend road accident in Co Down. The toddler died after being struck by a vehicle in Clough.

Meanwhile, three people have been critically injured in an accident in Co Antrim this morning with the ambulance service called to the scene on the Leathemstown Road near Dundrod at about 6.20am on Monday.

It is understood only one car was involved. When the ambulance crews arrived they found four injured people who had been thrown from the car.

All of them were taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and three are said to be critically ill.

The condition of the fourth person taken to hospital is not yet known and the Leathemstown Road has been closed at the Cochranstown Road.

The tragic accident on Saturday saw the girl - who was just 23 months old - being killed after she was hit by a 4x4 vehicle on the Blackstaff Road at about 5.15pm.

A woman who was with her was treated in hospital for a suspected broken arm and whiplash injuries.

SDLP Chairman of Down District Council Eamonn O'Neill has expressed his shock at the death: "This is an truly tragic time for the local community. I can only express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.

"Unfortunately, the issue of road safety in and around Clough was brought up at the local District Policing Partnership meeting on Thursday night and it is terrible that this has now happened.

"Clough is a busy village that acts as a junction for the two main arterial routes in South Down, namely, the Newcastle to Belfast road and the Downpatrick to Newry road and the matter of road safety has been on the minds of the local authorities. It is devastating that this should happen." he said.

"On behalf of the community I offer my deepest condolences and know that the people of Clough and the wider community will help and support the family at this, their worst time."

(BMcC/GK)