A 36-year-old lorry driver has died following a crash outside Newry.
Police have named the man as Mark Murphy from the Downpatrick area.
He was one of two people taken to hospital following the collision involving a bus and a lorry at Rathfriland Road shortly after 9am on Thursday.
The crash happened close to the junction with the Damolly Road, and police closed the Rathfriland Road upon arrival at the scene.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Officers attended the scene, together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
”Sadly, Mr Murphy, who was the driver of the lorry, passed away from his injuries.
“The female driver of the bus was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which at this time are not believed to be life threatening.
”The Rathfriland Road remains closed at this time as police continue to carry out enquiries, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route for their journeys.
“Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 286 of 22/02/24.”
Downpatrick SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith told the Irish News: “This is a heartbreaking outcome, and the thoughts of everyone in the Downpatrick area will be with the victim’s family as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
“My thoughts are also with the bus driver who was injured, and I wish her a speedy recovery. I would also urge anyone who witnessed the collision to please get in touch with police to assist in their investigation.”
