ROAD OVERLOOKED FOR SAFETY WORK

THE accident which claimed the life of a teenager near Ballyward on Sunday took place on a notoriously “twisty” section of road, a councillor for the area has claimed.

Passing on his sympathies to the bereaved family of 19 year-old Niall Rodgers, Councillor Seamus Doyle said the road was known for its dangerous twists and turns.

Indeed, he went on to say the road had been ‘overlooked’ in safety terms.

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The young man died following a two-vehicle collision at Castlewellan Road, Ballyward, around 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon. The road was closed for a while but later re-opened.

Speaking following the tragedy, Mr Doyle said the section of road in question was known for its dangerous bends and he claimed it had been scheduled to have some bends removed a number of years ago.

“I believe this road was due to be straightened, but nothing ever happened,” he said. “There have been a number of accidents on this stretch of road and I would say it is a road which has been overlooked when it comes to making it safer. Not enough money has been spent trying to straighten it out to make it less of a hazard for motorists.

“This is another tragedy on our roads and I pass on my heartfelt condolences to the young man’s family.”

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Sunday’s collision, which claimed the life of the teenager who was from the Newcastle area, involved a Vauxhall Corsa and Renault Scenic and four other people - three males and one female - were taken to hospital.

Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or has information in relation to it to contact the Collision Investigation Unit at Steeple on 0845 600 8000.

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