Police are attended a serious two vehicle road traffic collision at the Coily Hill Road area of Killyleagh this morning (Monday 22nd June) when an 18-year-old teenager was killed in a two car collision.
The road was closed in both directions between the Shrigley Road and the Crossgar Road. It is understood that of the six injured, four were male and two were female, and of these, one male died due to the crash.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Rowallene Councillors William Walker and Patrick Brown (Alliance) expressed their condolences.
Cllr Walker said: “I offer my condolences to the families at this sad time. A young life has been lost in this terrible road traffic accident.
“My heart goes out to the families concerned. This is a tragedy for the grieving families involved. I would appeal to all drivers, especially the younger ones, to drive carefully on roads such as the road between Crossgar and Killyleagh. Parts of the road are quite steep.
“We are still affected by lockdown and it will be difficult for the families concerned to visit their injured family members in hospital and attend a funeral. These are very difficult times.
“The Coily Hill Road section of the road is dangerous and I have lobbied the Roads Service on a number of occasions to improve this road and install ‘slow’ signs.
“The weather conditions too could well be a factor in the number of accidents on this road in recent years as it is quite exposed at the top of the hill and it has been quite stormy in the past day.
“This road is not a set bus route and therefore in the winter is not gritted. Perhaps the Roads Service will look at this now and improve the safety on this dangerous section of road to help prevent future accidents.”
And Rowallene Cllr Brown added: “The 18-year-old was killed followed a two-vehicle collision near Killyleagh. The incident took place in the Coily Hill Road area shortly after midnight. The teen was a passenger in one of the vehicles. Six other people were injured and have been taken to hospital.
“I am horrified to hear of this terrible car crash which has resulted in tragedy,” said Councillor Brown.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased and those injured in the crash. I hope they make a full recovery from this incident, which has led to yet another young person losing their life on our roads.
“While not fully clear yet what happened, I urge anyone with information on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”
