Five people killed in two separate crashes in Armagh and Newry
Four people have died in a single-vehicle collision in Armagh, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said.
The crash involving a grey Volkswagen Golf occurred on the Ballynahonemore Road at around 2.10am on Sunday.
The driver and three passengers, who have not yet been formally identified, were declared dead at the scene, police said.
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 investigation is now under way and anyone with information that could assist us is asked to get in touch with the Collision Investigation Unit.
“Police remain at the scene at present and the Ballynahonemore Road will be closed for most of the day.
“The thoughts of the entire police service are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.”
The Collision Investigation Unit can be contacted on 101 or online at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
In a statement the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 02:17 on Sunday 24 March following reports of an incident involving a vehicle in the Ballynahonemore Road area of Armagh.
"NIAS despatched an Advanced Paramedic, two emergency crews and a HART crew to the incident. No patients were taken from the scene."
On a post on the social media platform X, 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 Sir Jeffrey Donaldson described it as a “devastating incident”.
In a post on X, Sir Jeffrey said: “Tragic news coming from Armagh.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the four deceased in this devastating incident.”
TUV chairman Keith Ratcliffe said the two accidents were a sobering reminder of the danger of the roads.
He said: “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.”
Meanwhile, the PSNI has confirmed that a man in his 40s died following a road traffic collision on the Forkhill Road, Newry, Co Down, on Saturday.
Officers received a report of a collision involving a male pedestrian and a Nissan car at around 10.40pm on Saturday night.
The man was taken to hospital following the collision but died from his injuries a short time later.
The Forkhill Road was closed for a number of hours but has since reopened.
Inquiries into the collision are ongoing, and officers from the Collision Investigation Unit appealed to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time of the collision, or who has any dashcam or mobile phone footage, to contact them at Sprucefield on 101, quoting reference number 1661 23/03/24.
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