Two men have died in a road traffic collision outside Armagh on Friday afternoon, police have confirmed.
The incident happened around 12pm on the Killylea Road, close to the junction with Main Street/Strawberry Lane on December 27.
Inspector Cherith Adair, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Police received a report shortly before 12:45pm yesterday, Friday 27th December, of a collision involving a dark grey Audi and a black Mercedes.
“Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. Both men died at the scene.
“Four others, including a baby, were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“One of the women sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital in a critical condition at this time.
“The Killylea Road, which was closed for a period of time, has now fully reopened.
“Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances of the collision, and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with our enquiries. You can call 101 and quote reference 740 of 27/12/24 or report online at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”
Mayor of Armagh Sarah Duffy offered her condolences to the families of the deceased.
“This Christmas season, which is meant to bring families together in joy and celebration, has been overshadowed by an unimaginable tragedy in our community. Today, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of lives due to a devastating road traffic collision.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who are facing this pain, especially at this time of year.
“We cannot begin to comprehend the depth of their loss, and we stand with them in their grief.
“I want to thank the emergency services, who responded swiftly and with immense professionalism under these difficult circumstances.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during the holiday season when our roads are often busier. I urge everyone to take extra care, whether driving, cycling, or walking, and to ensure that we protect ourselves and those around us.
“As a community, we will come together to support those affected in the very sad times ahead.”
The tragic news follows the passing of six others on Northern Ireland’s roads just within the last week.
On December 20, Dungannon man, Edmund Hughes, was struck by a vehicle, later dying from his injuries in hospital.
Two other men from Co. Tyrone have died in road collisions in the last week, alongside a 20-year-old in Co. Fermanagh and a man in his 70s in Co. Antrim.
On Christmas Eve, John Hanna (34), from Downpatrick, also died in a collision on the Downpatrick Road.
It brings the total number of road deaths this year to 70.
In 2023, a total of 71 people lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads – the highest annual number of deaths for eight years.
