Three family members killed in Co Tyrone crash named

The three people who died in a road crash near Aughnacloy in Co Tyrone yesterday were members of the same family. The incident took place[1] on the A5 at Tullyvar just outside the village of Aughnacloy at around 7.20am. They have been named locally as brother and sister Dan and Christine McKane, both from Strabane, and their aunt Julia McSorley from nearby Newtownstewart.

Four others in their minibus were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries. They include two sisters and a brother of Dan and Christine McKane. Two have been discharged and two remain in hospital with their injuries described as serious.

Police in Northern Ireland are continuing to appeal for information. PSNI officers have carried out forensic examinations of the road and the vehicles involved in the crash, which appear to be a lorry and a mini-van. It is understood that the family members were travelling home from attending a funeral of a relative in England.

A religious vigil will take place in Strabane on this evening while a special mass will be held in Aughnacloy. Priest Fr Declan Boland from Strabane said the incident had brought shock and profound sadness. “We’re still trying to come to terms with the enormity of the loss,” he told BBC Radio Ulster.

The road has reopened today

The PSNI have also appealed to the public not to share inappropriate images from the scene.

In a statement, they said it was aware of “inappropriate photographs taken of the scene of the fatal collision” being shared on social media and other platforms. Supt Mervyn Seffen, Mid Ulster District Commander said: “Three people have sadly lost their lives in this tragic collision and our thoughts are with their family and friends today. “Do not add to their distress by viewing or sharing these images,” he said.

Additional reporting PA

References

1. ^ The incident took place (www.rte.ie)