James Moore, 19, and Kamile Vaicikonyte, 17, killed in A5 crash at Omagh
One of the teenagers killed on what has been described as Northern Ireland's most dangerous road had taken part in her school's campaign to highlight its dangers just this week.
Tributes have been paid to 17-year-old Kamile Vaicikonyte and her boyfriend James Moore (19) after they were killed in a crash on the A5.
It happened on the Doogary Road, Omagh on Tuesday night just before 10pm.
Earlier this week, Kamile's school staged a demonstration to highlight safety concerns over delays to work starting on the proposed dual carriageway.
St Ciaran's College said: "The entire St Ciaran’s community is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our Year 13 pupil, Kamile Vaicikonyte.
"Our hearts go out to Kamile’s parents, sister and wider family circle; they are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. "
The school principal Paul Lavery described her as a "bubbly, out-going girl who was very popular."
Jamie Moore played for Beragh Swifts FC. In its tribute, the club said: "Everyone at BSFC is shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Jamie Moore.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen, Jonathan and the entire family circle at this difficult time."
First Minister Michelle O’Neill called for the delayed A5 road project to begin.
She posted on X: “The loss of two young lives on the A5 is absolutely heartbreaking.
“My heart goes out to their families, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy.
“The A5 road must be built.
“No family should ever have to experience this unimaginable heartache.”
Other representatives expressed sadness at further deaths on the A5, and also reiterated calls for the redevelopment of the road.
West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley, of Sinn Féin, said: “The community is shocked and devastated to learn that another two young people have lost their lives on the A5 road.
“My immediate thoughts are with these young people’s families and friends as they come to terms with this unimaginable heartbreak today.
“More families have been left heartbroken by another fatal collision on this dangerous road, and today’s news serves as another sad reminder of the need to move forward and build the A5 with no more delays.”
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said the A5 “cannot be allowed to claim any more lives” and added that “immediate action was needed to progress the road upgrade”.
“Since the return of Stormont we have already seen a number of deaths on the A5, this is happening on a regular basis and our community cannot continue to brave these losses,” he said.
“Every day people are leaving their homes to travel on this road, causing huge worry in their families who can’t be sure that they will come home.
“We need to progress on the A5 redevelopment, we cannot afford any more delays, people’s lives are literally at stake and no excuse can be justified.”
More than 50 people have been killed on the A5. Work to upgrade the road was approved in 2007, but the project has been delayed by funding issues and legal challenges. Work would see 53miles of road upgraded.
Police appealed for information.
Inspector Cherith Adair, from the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit, added: "We received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision at around 9.50pm, involving a blue BMW. Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the ambulance service. “A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl sadly died at the scene. “The Doogary Road, which was closed overnight, has now re-opened. “Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 1806 of 30/04/24."
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