A MAN was last night being quizzed by police after a pedestrian was killed when she was hit by a pick-up truck.
Elaine Patricia McGarrity (54), from the Irvinestown area of Co Fermanagh, died in the collision on Brownshill Link Road at about 9am yesterday.
A 22-year-old man who was driving a Toyota Hilux was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Details of the tragedy emerged at the same time as police released provisional figures that revealed 54 people died in road tragedies in 2019.
Air Ambulance NI, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, PSNI and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service all attended the scene.
The road was closed for a period in both directions and later re-opened.
PSNI Inspector Greg Beckett appealed to anyone who was travelling on the Brownshill Link Road yesterday and witnessed the collision to contact police.
He also asked for anyone with dash-cam footage that could assist with enquiries to contact officers at Omagh.
DUP leader Arlene Foster posted on Twitter that she was "thinking of those grieving a loved one".
"My thoughts are with them and I know the entire community will uphold the family during such a difficult time. Thanks to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene," Mrs Foster said.
UUP assembly member Rosemary Barton said it was heartbreaking to learn of a fatality at the end of a year in which road deaths for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council had reduced.
"At this time when one has just celebrated Christmas and is looking forward to a new year with hope it is particularly difficult and very sad to learn that there has been a fatality as a result of the road traffic accident on the Brownhill Link Road, Irvinestown," she said.
"I understand the deceased is a lady who is well known and lives locally in Irvinestown and my thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family at this time of great sorrow and grief."
Her party colleague and Erne North councillor Diana Armstrong said the death sparked widespread community shock.
"A death in such tragic circumstances is very difficult at any time but will be even more poignant at this time of the year," she said.
Earlier, police released details of road fatalities in 2019.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said despite a historical downward trend, "far too many people are killed or seriously injured on our roads every year".
"Road safety will remain a key priority for all police officers," he said.
