Kilrea community in shock at double tragedy

Flowers at the scene of the crash. Picture Kevin McAuley

SDLP Assembly Member John Dallat said he had visited the homes of Declan McKenna and Christopher O’Neill.

“Only those families who have been in this situation can begin to understand just how devastating it must be to get the call on the door that there has been such a tragedy,” said Mr Dallat.

“The police and emergency services have been very good and the local people will do what they can over the next few days as Kilrea prepares for two funerals from the same part of the town.

“It just shocking and all any of us is be there and pray that somehow the McKenna and O’Neill Families will be able to see this through over the next few days and beyond.

SDLP councillor Roisin Loftus added: “The mood in the town is just one of total shock at what has unfolded here today.

“They’re two very popular young men in their early 20s, very popular within the local area, they had many friends in the area and the young people are just totally numbed by this.”