Teenager killed in Aghalee accident named

Mr McAlinden died following a collision between his silver Toyota and a blue Volvo lorry on the Aghalee Road, close to Rock Lane junction.

Two other young men, in their late teens to early 20s, one of whom is believed to be Neil's cousin, are being treated in hospital for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.

It is understood Neil was just miles from his family home in the village of Aghagallon when the accident happened.

Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said the Aghagallon community is shaken following the death.

Mrs Kelly said: "I know the victim's family very well and on behalf of the SDLP, I would like to express my deepest condolences to them on the death of their much loved boy.

"Any death is sad, but when it is that of someone so young with so much to live for it is particularly tragic.

"My heart goes out to all the young lad's relatives and friends who must be going through such a painful ordeal at this sad time.

"The thoughts and prayers of people in the wider Aghagallon area are with them all."

A total of 44 people have now lost their lives on Northern Ireland's roads so far this year, prompting a plea from the PSNI's head of roads policing.

Superintendent Muir Clark said that while the number of people killed to date this year is under half that of this time last year (44 compared to 100), all it takes is 'one wrong decision, one moment's inattention' to change lives forever.