Two men have died and four others were taken to hospital, including a baby, following a two-vehicle collision in Co Armagh on Friday afternoon.
Police say the two men died at the scene, while one woman remains in hospital in critical condition after sustaining ‘serious injuries’.
The crash took place at around 12.45pm on the Killylea Road and involved a dark grey Audi and a black Mercedes.
More: Road closed after ‘serious’ collision in Co Armagh
Inspector Cherith Adair, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. Both men died at the scene.
“Four others, including a baby, were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“One of the women sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital in a critical condition at this time.”
It is now the fourth road incident resulting in a death over the Christmas period.
The Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Council said that the community was mourning ‘the heartbreaking loss of lives’.
“Today, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of lives due to a devastating road traffic collision” Mayor of Armagh...
Posted by Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin on Saturday 28 December 2024
“This Christmas season, which is meant to bring families together in joy and celebration, has been overshadowed by an unimaginable tragedy in our community,” said Sarah Duffy.
“Today, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of lives due to a devastating road traffic collision.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who are facing this pain, especially at this time of year.
“We cannot begin to comprehend the depth of their loss, and we stand with them in their grief.
The Sinn Féin councillor extended her thanks to the emergency services who attended the scene and expressed the importance of road safety.
“As a community, we will come together to support those affected in the very sad times ahead,” she added.
SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon also extended his sympathies.
“It’s just terrible for those involved and we keep those hurt and those mourning in our prayers,” he said.
The crash follows three fatal collisions in the north in the space of two days over Christmas. A total of 67 people have died on the north’s roads this year.
Police are asking for anyone witnesses or anyone who may have dash-cam footage of the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference 740 of 27/12/24.
