Man Loses Life In Single Vehicle RTA On Ballydugan Road

Police have confirmed that an 18-year old man has died following a single vehicle road traffic collision on the Ballydugan Road outside Downpatrick last night, Tuesday 18 April.

He was the driver of a Peugeot 207 car that was involved in the collision at around 10.30pm close to the Lake Road junction.

Inspector Linda Savage is appealing for anyone who was travelling on the Ballydugan Road last night and who witnessed the collision to contact local police in Downpatrick or the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting reference number 1457 of 18/04/17.

The Ballydugan Road remains closed between Bonecastle Road and Buckshead Road while police continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has described the death of the 18-year-old man in the car crash outside Downpatrick as a “profound tragedy” that has shocked the local community.

She said: “The sobering news this morning that an 18-year-old man has died following a crash last night has shocked the everyone in the Downpatrick area.

“The loss of any life on our roads is always a shock but to lose someone so young, with so much to live for, is a profound tragedy.

“My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with this young man’s family and friends at this terrible time. I have no doubt that local people will rally around and offer whatever support they can.”