Two killed in road traffic collision in Co Donegal

At least one other car managed to avoid a horrific collision which claimed the lives of two people in Co Donegal yesterday.

Two people, a man and a woman in their 30s, were killed instantly when their cars were involved in a head-on crash outside the village of Newtowncunningham in the early afternoon.

The tragedy has also left a third man fighting for his life in hospital in Derry.

The accident happened around 2.20pm on the N13 in the townland of Killyvery, around a mile from the village of Newtowncunningham.

The road is notorious for accidents in recent years.

In May of last year a woman was killed less than 100 yards from the scene of yesterday’s collision when the car she was driving was in collision with a bus.

A number of children who were passengers in the car were lucky to escape alive.

Gardai say that road conditions at the time of yesterday’s (FRI) crash were good despite some earlier showers.

Garda forensic experts arrived at the scene late yesterday afternoon and Gardai have confirmed that they are examining if speed was a factor in the crash.

It is believed a black Honda Accord, coming from the direction of Letterkenny, veered across the road and struck a black Skoda car head-on.

Garda sources have revealed that another motorist managed to take swift action to avoid a collision as the black Honda car veered across the road into his path.

The names of those killed in the crash have not yet been released.

However, the woman is originally from Cavan and has been living in the Co Donegal village of Muff on the Inishowen Peninsula. Her family have been notified of her death.

Meanwhile the man killed in the crash is understood to be from Derry.

A passing priest issued the last rites to some of those who were fatally injured.

Local county councillor Paul Canning, who lives less than a mile from the scene of yesterday’s crash said his thoughts and prayers were with the families of those killed and injured in the crash.

However Councillor Canning said he does not feel the scene of the crash needs to be examined or realigned by the local council.

“This particular stretch of road on which the accident occurred is a straight part of the road.

“I drive this road several times a day and I know myself that there is a tendency to pick up speed because you are coming down an incline.

“We need to educate people about speed in this area because people have to take responsibility when they are behind the wheel.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been killed or injured. Unfortunately this is not the first time that we have said this as a result of another crash on this stretch of road,” he said.

Local people confirmed that a speed safety van regularly operates in the area of yesterday’s crash but was not posted there yesterday at the time of the crash.

Road diversions have been put in place and will remain until this afternoon (SAT).

Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station 074-9167100 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Ends