Man (55) dies after two-car crash on A1

The 55-year-old was driving one of two cars involved in the collision on the northbound carriageway.

A woman, driver of the second vehicle, was taken to hospital; her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.

Coming after drivers were advised to take care on the roads after a period of heavy snow, the collision occurred around 7.15am, close to the Halfway House pub and restaurant at Halfway Road.

With traffic heavily congested and a diversion in place onto Blackskull Road, motorists travelling on the A1 northbound were advised to seek an alternative route via Banbridge.

The A1 southbound was also closed, with traffic diverted through Dromore.

Both carriageways remained closed until late afternoon amid police pleas for patience while they carried out investigations into the collision.

Inspector Leslie Badger of Banbridge police added: “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this time.

“If anyone witnessed this collision or has information in relation to it, please contact us in Banbridge on 101.”

Yesterday’s accident followed a yellow warning for snow across Northern Ireland.