THE close-knit community of St Johnston gathered in St Baithin’s Church last night for a special Mass honouring the two teenagers who lost their lives in Tuesday night’s fatal collision.
Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter died in the collision involving a car and a lorry on the R236 in the village at around 11.15pm.
The victims, who were aged in their late teens and understood to be from Derry, tragically died in the fatal collision.
Post-mortem examinations will take place in due course and the Coroner has been notified.
Meanwhile, the male driver of the car, also in his late teens, remains in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he is being treated for serious injuries.
Last night, large crowds gathered in St Baithin’s Church to pray for those who lost their lives and their grieving and distraught families and friends.
In a statement from the Parish of Taughboyne, a spokesperson said: “In this time of great grief and sorrow for all involved, words fail us.
“So we turn to the Lord, asking for his strength and peace and the grace that will be needed for the families of those deceased and injured.”
In addition to last night’s Mass, a petition has been launched to improve road safety on the stretch where the teenagers lost their lives.
Petition starter, Donna-Marie Reynolds, said the road, which has been a location of concern due to numerous accidents, needs immediate attention for the sake of all who use it.
“The lack of proper signage and speed regulation measures such as ramps on this road has made it perilous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike,” she said.
“Local residents and visitors have voiced their worries over the dangerous conditions, yet little has changed to remedy this ongoing problem.
“The combination of high speeds and sharp turns without adequate warnings is a recipe for disaster, as evidenced by the tragic incidents that have occurred.”
Ms Reynolds urged Donegal County Council and relevant authorities to prioritise the safety of all road users by taking immediate action.
“The cost of prevention is far less than the cost of a life, making these changes not just practical but essential,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, Councillor Gary Doherty said Tuesday night’s heartbreaking news stopped the local community of St Johnston in its tracks.
“It is just an absolutely devastating tragedy for St Johnston, East Donegal and the wider Derry region as a whole,” Cllr Doherty told the Donegal News.
“Two very young men have lost their lives and our immediate thoughts are with their families and loved ones.
“News like this just stops a community in its tracks and there is a real sense of sadness around St Johnston and the wider area.”
Describing Donegal as a “close-knit county”, the Sinn Féin councillor said tragedies like this are felt widely and people are absolutely heartbroken for the families involved.
Meanwhile, Road Victim Support Northern Ireland and Donegal have offered emotional and practical support to those impacted by the tragedy.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the emergency services and medical teams who responded to the incident with professionalism and care,” the group said.
“If you or anyone affected needs support, please reach out.
“You are not alone.”
The R236 road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place.
Gardaí continue to appeal 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 (074) 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Read more: https://donegalnews.com/news-like-this-just-stops-a-community-in-its-tracks/
