Two teenagers tragically lost their lives in a devastating collision involving their car and a lorry in St Johnston, Co Donegal. The victims, identified as Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter, both 18 and from the Shantallow area of Derry, were returning from Asda in Strabane to Derry when the fatal incident occurred on the R236 road late Tuesday night. The collision, which occurred at approximately 11.15pm on the main Lifford-Derry road, involved their Vauxhall Corsa and a Volvo FH 500 lorry towing a cattle trailer.
Local priest Fr Damien Nejad was at the scene around 1am to administer last rites to one of the young men, expressing deep sadness over the tragedy. One of the teenagers was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to injuries shortly after at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
The community in St Johnston and across east Donegal was left in shock by the incident, described as a profound tragedy by various officials. The area, known for previous collisions, witnessed a somber atmosphere as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conducted an examination of the scene. Councillor Gary Doherty termed the incident as a devastating tragedy, emphasizing the community’s solidarity and grief for the families affected.
Appealing for witnesses, Gardai urged anyone with information or camera footage of the collision between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on the night of the incident to come forward. Contact details for providing relevant information were shared, with authorities seeking assistance in the investigation.
