Community calls for action on A5 after being devastated by deaths of teenagers

There has been an outpouring of grief after two teenagers were killed in a collision on the A5 in Omagh as the community continues calls for upgrades to the dangerous road.

A 19-year-old man and 17-year-old girl were killed following a single vehicle collision in the Doogary Road area of Omagh at around 9.50pm on Tuesday, April 30.

The 17-year-old girl has been named locally as, Kamile Vaicikonyte, who was tragically killed in the collision alongside her boyfriend Jamie Moore, was a pupil at St Ciaran's College. The school held a protest rally just days before her passing calling for upgrades to be made to the dangerous road.

Read more: A5: School remembers former pupils who lost their lives on notorious road

Local politicians have said that the tragedy has devastated the local community, with there being renewed calls to upgrade the the A5 to improve the safety of the road and stop any more families being left heartbroken.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "The loss of two young lives on the A5 is absolutely heartbreaking.

"My heart goes out to their families, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

"The A5 road must be built.

"No family should ever have to experience this unimaginable heartache."

West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: “Once again we wake up this morning to the devastating news that two young people have lost their lives on the A5 road. My thoughts are with their families and friends today as they come to terms with this tragedy. I cannot imagine what they are going through and I know the community will rally around them.

“Since the return of Stormont we have already seen a number of deaths on the A5, this is happening on a regular basis and our community can not continue to brave these losses. Every day people are leaving their homes to travel on this road, causing huge worry in their families who can’t be sure that they will come home.

“We need to progress on the A5 redevelopment, we cannot afford any more delays, people’s lives are literally are stake and no excuse can be justified. We need to see the Infrastructure Minister publish the PAC findings and set a firm date for work to begin on the A5 before the end of this year. This news today is another awful reminder of the danger that everyone who travels on this road faces and it is long past time we do something about it.”

He added: "The cost of doing nothing is costing lives."

West Tyrone MLA Nicola Brogan said: "Heartbreaking news this morning that a young man and teenage girl have tragically lost their lives in an accident on the A5 road in Omagh.

"This is an unimaginable loss. My thoughts and prayers are with with the family and friends of the victims."

St Ciaran's College paid tribute to Kamile and said that their thoughts were with her family at this time.

It said: "The entire St Ciaran’s community is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our Year 13 pupil, Kamile Vaicikonyte. Our hearts go out to Kamile’s parents, sister and wider family circle; they are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time."

Omagh Alliance councillor Stephen Donnelly said: "“Our devastation as a community is beyond words. Just two days ago in Ballygawley, students gathered in grief and solidarity to remember those who had lost their lives on the A5, and last night two more young lives were robbed, including a pupil of St. Ciaran’s College.

“This tragedy reinforces the dangerous nature of the A5, and the ongoing urgency in needing to upgrade. Then we can hopefully prevent further injury and the tragic loss of life in the future.

“We stand as a community united in keeping the families affected in our thoughts and our hearts, as well as the school community at St. Ciaran’s College.”

Alliance Infrastructure spokesperson Peter McReynolds MLA added: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of two teenagers on the A5 and I extend my sympathies to the families of the victims and the wider community.

“The A5 is one of Northern Ireland’s most dangerous roads and has claimed more than 50 lives since 2006. The proposed upgrade for the A5 has faced several delays for numerous years and we cannot afford to wait any longer for improvements.

“Road safety is a priority for Alliance, and improving the A5 must also be a priority for the Department of Infrastructure.”

Police have said they are appealing for information following the collision.

Inspector Cherith Adair, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision at around 9.50pm, involving a blue BMW. Officers attended, alongside colleagues from NIAS.

“A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl sadly died at the scene.

“The Doogary Road, which was closed overnight, has now re-opened.

“Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 1806 of 30/04/24."

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.