Northern Ireland

Nurse who died in Co Antrim crash described as 'truly one in a million'

Shymol Thomas (37) worked as a nurse at Antrim Area Hospital
Shymol Thomas (37) worked as a nurse at Antrim Area Hospital Shymol Thomas (37) worked as a nurse at Antrim Area Hospital

A NURSE who died in a two car collision in Co Antrim has been described by friends as "truly one in a million".

Tributes have been paid to Shymol Thomas (37), who worked at Antrim Area Hospital and was married with three young children.

It is understood she was originally from Kidangoor in the Kottayam district of India, but had lived in Antrim for the past 15 years with her husband Nelson John, who is also a nurse.

She was a front seat passenger in a Toyota Yaris that collided with a Volkswagen Passat on Friday evening near Ballymena.

The crash, which happened on the Crankill Road at 6.40pm, also left the driver of the car in which Ms Thomas was travelling in a critical condition.

The two rear seat passengers also suffered injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening, while two men in the Passat were taken to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine for treatment, but were later discharged.

A news website for the Malayalee community reported that Ms Thomas was travelling with a friend, also a nurse, as well as the driver’s son and a friend when the tragic crash happened.

Tributes have been paid to Ms Thomas by friends, with one describing how they had "lost an amazing friend".

"Shymol was the most motivated and dedicated person we know, she always poured her heart into everything she done and was truly one in a million," she said.

"A tribute to our Shymol... your eternal candle still burns bright."

Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash to contact them.