'We pray for her healing and recovery' - Prayers offered for young Ballerin girl critically injured in collision

A County Derry school has urged people to pray for one of its students who was injured in a road traffic collision yesterday afternoon.

Sofia Mullan, a year nine student at Loreto College in Coleraine, was airlifted to The Royal Hospital for Sick Children following the collision involving a lorry and a child pedestrian on the Boleran Road before 4pm.

The Ballerin girl’s condition has been described as ‘critical’.

The Boleran Road, near Garvagh, was closed for some time but has since reopened to traffic. 

Last night parishioners in Ballerin came together in St Mary’s Church to say the rosary and earlier today, Loreto College appealed for people to keep the young girl in their prayers.

“As a school community and Loreto family we hold in prayer our Year 9 student, Sofia Mullan,” the school said in a statement.

“We pray for her healing and recovery. We also pray for her parents, siblings, and wider family circle. 

“We pray too for all those caught up in last night’s accident, especially the driver of the lorry and all the emergency services who attended the scene. 

“We entrust them all into God’s hands. We ask God to guide the healing ministry of the doctors and nurses in The Royal Hospital for Sick Children who are caring for Sofia at this time.  

“May Mary enfold them with her maternal mantle and may they feel God’s presence in the help and support of others in the difficult days ahead.”

Sinn Féin councillor Ciarán Archibald said his thoughts are with the young girl.

Cllr Archibald said: “My thoughts are with the young girl who was airlifted to hospital following a serious accident on the Boleran Road and I wish her a full recovery.

“This will be a traumatic time for her, her family and all involved but I know the Ballerin community will support them through this difficult time, and my thoughts are with them all.”