Downpatrick Man Mark Murphy has died in a crash on the Rathfriland Road near Newry
A 36-year old man has sadly died following a road traffic collision on the Rathfriland Road near Newry.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland have confirmed he died following a two vehicle collision which occurred on Thursday 22nd February.
Mark Murphy was from the Downpatrick area.
Detective Sergeant Brook, from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Police received a report shortly after 9am of a collision involving a bus and a lorry close to the junction with the Damolly Road.
“Officers attended the scene, together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
“Sadly, Mr Murphy, who was the driver of the lorry, passed away from his injuries.
“The female driver of the bus was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which at this time are not believed to be life-threatening.
“The Rathfriland Road remained closed for several hours as police continued to carry out enquiries, and motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route for their journeys
“Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 286 of 22/02/24.”
McGrath offers condolences to family of Mark Murphy
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has offered his condolences to the family of Mark Murphy who died in a traffic collision near Newry yesterday.
Mr McGrath said: “This is simply devastating news. Mr Murphy was a young man with his whole life to live.
“He had a young family and their world has been turned upside down and the thoughts and prayers of the whole community are with them.
“I know the community in Downpatrick will rally round and offer support to them at this extremely difficult time.
“I’d also like to thank all the emergency services who responded to this incident for their efforts.
“We would be lost without them and they do an important job in often difficult circumstances.”
