Lisburn man (53) dies in Christmas Eve car accident

A local councillor has spoken of his shock at the death of a 53-year-old Lisburn man who was killed in Ballinderry on Christmas Eve.
Scene of a fatal accident at Lough Road. Picture: Cliff DonaldsonScene of a fatal accident at Lough Road. Picture: Cliff Donaldson
Scene of a fatal accident at Lough Road. Picture: Cliff Donaldson

Pat Catney described the death of the man, who was returning from a family visit, as ‘beyond tragic.’

It is understood the man was from The Brambles area in Lisburn.

It is believed that the man had been returning home after visiting his sister and mother around 8.30pm when the car that he was driving, a red coloured Hyundai Amica, hit a patch of ice on the Lough Road, Ballinderry Upper.

The road was closed between Crewe Road and Tansy Road. Locals said that the driving conditions in the area at the time of the accident,were treacherous.

After the accident his wife, who was also in the car at the time, made attempts to get help when a passerby arrived at the scene. Emergency services were called and she was taken to hospital.

Mr Catney, whose 19-year-old brother Gerard died in a motorbike accident nearby,30 years ago, said that hearing the news of the accident made him shudder.

“It brought back many sad memories for me,” he said. “This must have been frightening for the man’s wife. One minute you are coming home from seeing family at Christmas and happy, the next you are getting ready for a funeral.

“Here is a woman left without a husband. It goes to show just how fragile life can be. It is very sad and very tragic.”

Alderman James Tinsley also spoke of his concern, saying, “This is the second death in that area in just a few weeks.”