Eight-year-old boy killed in South Down car crash

Q Newsdesk

A young boy has died following a two-vehicle collision outside Banbridge.

It happened on the Aughnacloy Road yesterday evening.

Three other people, including a child, are seriously injured and have been taken to hospital.

DUP MLA Jim Wells spoke to Q Radio:

Heartbreaking news tonight in South Down. @duponline @Jim_Wells_MLA says young boy killed in road accident. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.” pic.twitter.com/YLm8CiOYbi

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 21, 2018

Inspector Gregory Beckett said:

“The boy tragically died at the scene of the two vehicle collision which occurred at around 5.20pm on Saturday evening, involving a silver Audi Q3 and a silver Ford Focus.

Three other people have been taken to hospital and are being treated for injuries which are described as serious" 

The road was closed for some time following the collision but has since re-opened"

.@PoliceServiceNI “Due to serious road traffic collision, Aughnacloy Rd. closed at Corbet between Banbridge & Castlewellan. Diversions in place, including at the Aughnacloy Road/Castlevennon Road junction. Drivers urged to avoid area, seek an alternative route.” Update shortly. pic.twitter.com/A01qZhGIJX

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 21, 2018

Upper Bann MLA Carla Lockhart said, 

“This is a very tragic occurrence on what was a peaceful Saturday evening. It is the second fatality on this road in a number of weeks and is a terrible loss to the family concerned who live within the Lurgan area.

My thoughts, first and foremost, are with the family who have lost their child and also to the drivers involved. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a child and in such tragic circumstances our hearts got out to them.  

I know the family concerned and recognise the devastation this will bring.  The police investigation will continue and anyone who may have witnessed this can contact them via the 101 service.”