Tributes paid to road collision victims

By Alan Rodgers

TRIBUTES are being paid to the three young men who died as a result of a road traffic collision on the main A5 at Garvaghey, in the early hours of Monday morning.

The three men who died, all aged in their 20s, have yet to be named. But it is understood that they are from the Sixmilecross, Garvaghey and Clogher areas.

A fourth man, also understood to be from the Sixmilecross area, remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The collision happened just outside St Matthew’s Church, Garvaghey. The main A5 in this area remains closed this afternoon as the PSNI carry out further investigations.

Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley says the deaths have stunned the entire community.

“I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of the three young men killed and of the young man seriously injured in this accident at Garvaghey,” she said.

“The scale of this tragedy has stunned the entire community but everyone will rally around in support all those affected in what will be difficult days ahead.

“I wish to pay tribute to the emergency services for all their efforts at the scene.”

West Tyrone SDLP MLA, Daniel McCrossan, said the news of the tragedy is ‘heartbreaking.’

“This heartbreaking news is deeply shocking and distressing to us all. My thoughts are with the families and friends of these young victims whose lives have been cut short in such tragic circumstances.

“My thoughts are also with the fourth victim who has been taken to hospital for treatment and I would like to wish him a speedy and full recovery.”