Three dead, one seriously injured in Tyrone crash

PSNI parked on a partly closed Omagh Road at the Ballygawley roundabout after three men were killed in Garvaghy, Co Tyrone at around 1.50am on Monday at the Omagh road area and involved a car and a lorry. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Three men in their 20s have died after a two-car crash in Co Tyrone in the early hours of the morning.

PSNI officers say the incident, involving a car and a lorry, happened on the Omagh Road in Garvaghy shortly before 2am.

The three men, all aged in their 20s died at the scene, while a fourth man, also in his 20s, was brought to hospital with serious injuries.

The PSNI said the Omagh Road remains closed in both directions between the Curr Road and the Greenmount Road, with motorists advised to take alternative routes.

Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage, to contact them.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesperson said: “Inquires are continuing and anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage or any other information, should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 240 27/12/21.” 

The PSNI said the Omagh Road remains closed in both directions between the Curr Road and the Greenmount Road, with motorists advised to take alternative routes. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill tweeted: “Heartbreaking news this morning that three young men have lost their lives in a fatal road collision in Garvaghy.

“My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and local community.” 

Heartbreaking news this morning that three young men have lost their lives in a fatal road collision in Garvaghy.

My thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends and local community.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) December 27, 2021

Local SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan called it “heartbreaking news”.

“My thoughts are with the families and friends of these young victims whose lives have been cut short in such tragic circumstances.” 

Stephen Donnelly, a local Alliance Party councillor, said the incident was “devastating”.

“Three young lives lost and another seriously injured. Our thoughts as a community will be with all the families impacted.” 

West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley said: “I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of the three young men killed and the young man seriously injured.

“The scale of this tragedy has stunned the entire community, but everyone will rally around to 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.”