Cathrene Kith Quiñones Singco: death of mum-to-be and unborn baby following Crumlin collision is a ‘heart-breaking’ tragedy for the community
The death of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby has sent “shock waves” through the community of Crumlin and beyond.
Mum-to-be Cathrene Kith Quiñones Singco lost her life following a collision between a blue Fiesta and a silver Skoda Superb on the Moira Road, near Nutts Corner on Sunday afternoon (January 11).
Mrs Singo was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved as was her husband who has been critically injured. Police say a number of other people sustained minor injuries in the collision.
In a statement issued on Monday, Detective Inspector Stewart, of the Collision Investigation Unit said: “We can also confirm that, sadly, Cathrene was pregnant and her baby also died as a result of the collision. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
Tributes have been paid on social media following the tragedy with many people describing the loss as “heart breaking” and expressing sympathy to the families affected.
One person wrote: “Absolutely heart breaking. Many prayers to her friends and family.”
While another commented: “Devastating, condolences to all family and friends, heart breaking.”
Also offering condolences was South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney, who said: “The horrific nature of the traffic collision on the Moira Road, resulting in the tragic death of a young pregnant woman in her 30s, has sent shock waves through the local Crumlin community and beyond.
“I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those involved, especially the husband of the deceased who remains critically injured in hospital at this time.
“I also wish to thank the emergency services who attended this tragic incident and would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who can assist the police with their investigation, to please contact them on 101, quoting reference number 735 11/01/26.”
The Sinn Fein representative went on to say he will be now be writing to the Department for Infrastructure to highlight safety concerns regarding this specific stretch of road, and requesting a review of traffic management systems.
He said: “The Moira Road has a history of traffic collisions over recent years, many resulting in fatalities and serious injury, and carries high volumes of traffic at speeds up to 60mph.
"However, in the vicinity of the Nutts Corner market, where this latest tragedy occurred, there is also an overtaking lane which continues from the Nutts Corner roundabout past the market, creating a particular danger for traffic exiting onto the main carriageway.”
In response to Mr Kearney’s comments, a Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “Every road death is tragic, and the Department extends sincere sympathies to the family and friends of the young woman and man who lost their lives as a result of the collision on the Moira Road at the weekend.
"Our thoughts are also with those who were injured. As with all fatal collisions we will liaise with the PSNI to assist them with their ongoing investigation.”
Meanwhile, police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have any dash-cam footage of the road at the time which could assist with their investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 735 11/01/26.