Derry plunged into sadness following tragic death of young men in Donegal crash

Derry has been left devastated following the tragic death of two teenagers in a road traffic collision in St Johnston.

It is understood the two young men who died are from Derry.

A third teenager was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital with serious injuries. He was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

The young men died after the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a lorry on Tuesday night in the Donegal village.

Shantallow Community Centre has provided a space for the friends and loved ones of the teenagers to come together in their grief.

They said: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our local young men last night. The pain being felt across our community right now is unimaginable.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their families and everyone who loved them.

“Our Youth Wing will be open all day for friends who need somewhere safe to come together, get a bite to eat and remember their amazing friends in a safe, comfortable, loving space

“We will also have qualified grief counsellors available for anyone who would like to speak to someone from 7pm tonight.

“Please do not struggle alone. Reach out, call in, message us.”

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said that the death of the two young men is a profound tragedy that will affect people in communities across the North West.

The former SDLP leader said: “People in communities across Derry and Donegal woke up this morning to news of this crash and the deaths of two teenagers with their whole lives ahead of them. It is such a profound tragedy and I know that it will affect families, friends and communities across the North West.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones. Today and the days ahead will be unimaginably difficult. But I know that people in Derry and Donegal will offer them every possible support to get through this.

“We’re also thinking of the young man in hospital in Belfast today with serious injuries.

"I want to thank the emergency services for their response to a difficult situation.

“Gardaí are investigating the crash and I would urge anyone who was in the area last night or who may have dash camera footage that can help piece together what happened to come forward.”

Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan described the young men’s untimely deaths as ‘heartbreaking’.

“Our thoughts are with their family,friends and everyone affected by this tragedy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”

Speaking at this afternoon's full meeting of Derry and Strabane District Council, the Mayor of Derry Cllr Ruairí McHugh sent his condolences to the families of the young men that died in the tragic accident on behalf of members.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy expressed her condolences to the families of those killed.

The Ballyarnett councillor said: “It is heartbreaking to learn that two young men have died and a third has been seriously injured in a collision in St Johnston on Tuesday night.

"My thoughts are with their families and friends, and with all those affected, at this deeply sad and difficult time.

"I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene.”

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning expressed his condolences to the friends and family of the teenagers and said his thoughts are with the young man in hospital.

"It’s not something we wanted to be waking up to this morning, to hear the news two teenagers were killed on our roads. Condolences to their family and friends on the tragic news they received today.

"Also, thank you to the emergency services – the ambulance, fire service and all first responders who attended the scene.”

Steelstown Primary School wrote on its Facebook page: "As a school community, we are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of two young men in our local area, and of another young man who is currently critically ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, their friends, and all who are grieving at this deeply difficult time.

"We are especially mindful that relatives of those affected are part of our Steelstown family, and we hold them close in our hearts.

"Out of respect for the families and the wider community, our planned coffee morning will be postponed to a later date."

Foyle Harps FC said it Shantallow is a "dark place today".

"Everyone at Foyle Harps would like to extend our sincere condolences to all those affected by the accident yesterday. Shantallow is a dark place today," the club wrote on its Facebook page.

"God bless the two boys who tragically lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, young men, taken far too soon.

"Please help us pray for the young lad in hospital, hoping he pulls through and makes a full recovery."

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the fatal two-vehicle road traffic collision.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the collision, which occurred at around 11.15pm.

A male passenger of the car (aged in his late teens) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A second male passenger (aged in his late teens) was conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The R236 road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday, February 24 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (0035374) 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.