Richhill tragedy as young woman dies in car crash

The woman was a passenger in a car that collided with a lorry at around 3.35pm.

The female driver was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries which police said “are thought to be very serious.”

A spokesperson for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust confirmed this morning that she had been transferred to the Royal in Belfast yesterday evening.

Newry and Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin, who attended the accident scene yesterday, said the crash had taken place on a sweeping bend, less than a mile from Richhill village.

He said, “This really is an absolute tragedy and yet another family has been plunged into grief. I want to pass on my deepest sympathy to the family of this young woman who has sadly lost her life close to Richhill village.

“I understand the driver of the car has been taken to hospital with what are described as serious injuries and I hope and pray she makes a speedy recovery from this awful ordeal.”

He added, “I live not far from this location and I know this particular accident occurred on a very sharp bend. I understand from speaking to local people that the car collided with a lorry and ended up in a field. There have been a number of accidents at this spot both in the past and in recent times and sadly this latest incident has resulted in a fatality.

“I must reiterate that it is incumbent on all of us to take great care on the roads, especially in these winter months. None of us think an accident will happen when we are out and about, yet as we have sadly seen especially in recent days, an accident can occur in a split second and have such devastating consequences.”

Richhill Councillor Jim Speers and Danny Kennedy, Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry & Armagh, also expressed their sympathies to the families of the young women involved in the road accident.

Councillor Speers said, “My sympathies go to the family of the young lady who tragically lost her life. We must also think about the young woman who has sustained serious injuries and hope and pray that she can recover. This is an almost unimaginable situation which these families now face.”

Mr Kennedy said, “This is more heartbreaking news for families in County Armagh. They are in our thoughts and prayers. What started out as just another normal day has ended in tragedy. It is hard to comprehend the loss which family members now feel. The local communities will rally round and offer what support they can.”

Police investigating the circumstances of the collision would like to hear from witnesses. The number to call is 101.