The best friend of a 17-year-old girl who, along with her boyfriend, were killed in a road traffic collision on the A5 in Co Tyrone has said “enough is enough”.
Kamile Vaicikonyte died in the collision on the Doogary Road stretch on Tuesday night. She was travelling in the car with her boyfriend, who has not been named at this stage.
Ms Vaicikonyte was a pupil at St Ciaran’s College in Ballygawley; the same school which held a demonstration to remember people – including past pupils – who had died on the A5, calling for long-awaited upgrade work on the road to start.
The school’s principal, Paul Lavery, said that the St Ciaran’s community was “deeply shocked and saddened” at the passing of their Year 13 pupil.
Mr Lavery paid tribute to Kamile as a “bubbly and outgoing girl”.
“Kamile was a bubbly, out-going girl who was very popular with both staff and pupils. She joined our school in Year 10 and spoke excitedly about her hopes and dreams, which included going to university.
“We have been profoundly saddened by her death and our hearts go out to Kamile’s parents, sister and wider family circle; they are foremost in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time,” he said.
“To assist in supporting our pupils and staff through this time of grief, trained staff from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team are present in the school to provide support, alongside the school’s pastoral team.
“A letter has been sent by the school to parents, informing them of this incident and providing information on the support services available throughout the school.”
Kamile’s best friend, posting on social media, said: “My best friend was a victim of the collision. I will always remember you, Kamile. I miss you 🤍🕊️.
“#EnoughIsEnough. The A5 road needs serious changes. My best friend and her boyfriend wasn’t the first, and won’t be last to die on that road. It’s been 17 years since we been waiting for a change. MAKE IT HAPPEN ASAP!”
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