Brother of Tyrone GAA player killed in crash with lorry in ‘yet another absolute tragedy’…
THE brother of a well-known GAA player was killed in a serious two-vehicle crash yesterday evening.
The collision between a white BMW[1] 320 car and a blue Scania lorry took place on the A5, on a part of the Curr Road between Omagh and Ballygawley in Co Tyrone[2], at around 7pm on Tuesday evening.
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Caolan Devlin was sadly killed in the horror smash yesterday evening
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The fatal crash took place on the A5 in Tyrone on Tuesday eveningCredit: Pacemaker Press
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Caolan is the older brother of Tyrone GAA player Niall Devlin
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 7.18pm and crews were sent to the scene, along with police[3] officers and firefighters.
The driver of the BMW, a 30-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
He has been named locally as Caolan Devlin, from Coalisland.
Caolan is the brother of Niall Devlin, a member of the Tyrone senior football panel and former captain of the county’s U20 All-Ireland winning team.
“Caolan is son to Gerard and Margaret Devlin and brother to Niall.
“At tragic and difficult times like this, we need to stand by Caolan’s parents, brother, friends, and entire family circle through the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Devlin family at this difficult time.
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“Funeral and wake arrangements will follow later today.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The saddest of news for the Devlin and Cullen families.
“My thoughts are with Gerard, Margaret and Niall.
‘Hearts are sore’
“Our community is shocked and hearts are sore for the entire family and friends of Caolán.
“May he rest in peace.”
Nobody else was injured in the crash, police said.
The road was closed off and remained closed on Wednesday morning and local diversions were put in place.
Sergeant Green from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report shortly before 7.25pm on Tuesday evening, 5th March of a collision involving a white BMW 320 and blue Scania lorry.
“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from other emergency services. Sadly, the driver of the BMW, a 30-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Road closed
“There were no other passengers in the car, and the driver of the lorry was uninjured.
“The road remains closed at this time and local diversions are in place. A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the road traffic collision is ongoing.
“Officers would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage available to contact them at the Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield on 101, quoting reference number 1675 05/03/24.”
Sinn Féin[4] MP Órfhlaith Begley expressed her condolences to the family and friends of the man killed.
The West Tyrone MP said: “A life lost as a result of a collision on the A5 between Omagh and Ballygawley is yet another absolute tragedy on this road.
‘Heartbreaking news’
“My immediate thoughts are with his family and friends as they come to terms with this heartbreaking news.
“I want to thank and pay tribute to the emergency services for all their efforts at the scene.
“Yet again another family is left devastated by another fatal crash on this dangerous road.
“This is a sad reminder of the need to move forward and build the A5 with no more delays.”
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan added: “I’d like to offer my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life on Tuesday evening.
‘Worst possible news’
“This is the worst possible news to wake up to and my thoughts and prayers are with them as they come to terms with this loss.
“The local community will also be reeling at the loss of yet another young life on this road, but I know they will do everything they can to support those affected.
“This is another terrible reminder of the urgent need to upgrade the A5 road.
“Nearly 50 people have lost their lives on this road in recent years and today another family have been plunged into unimaginable grief.
“There can be no more delays, no more objections, this road upgrade must be delivered to keep everyone in this area and everyone who travels on this road safe.
“I’d encourage anyone with information to come forward to police.”
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The collision happened on the Curr Road, between Omagh and Ballygawley, around 7pm on TuesdayCredit: Pacemaker Press