A 61-YEAR-OLD man became the second person to die on the north's roads in just a few hours.
Paul McLarnon, from Antrim, died in a three-vehicle crash in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, yesterday evening.
Just hours earlier, a woman died in a crash near Drumaness, Co Down.
Mr McLarnon died after his blue Ford Ka was involved in a collision with a red Toyota Yaris and a lorry at around 8.20pm on the Cookstown Road. Police are continuing to investigate the crash.
At 3.30pm yesterday, a woman died in a crash on the Newcastle Road, near Drumaness, outside Ballynahinch.
Ambulance crews, including the Air Ambulance, responded to the crash.
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath offered his condolences to the woman's family.
"I pay tribute to those members of the emergency services who responded so quickly and efficiently to the crash," he said.
"I appreciate that the PSNI are appealing for information and I join in this appeal.
"Much has and will be said about the statistics of those who die on our roads; but this lady was more than a statistic.
"She was a person, and today a family are mourning her loss.
"I can only hope and pray that the outpouring of grief which we have seen across society will offer them some consolation in these incredibly difficult days."
Sinn Féin South Down MLA Cathy Mason also extended her sympathies.
"This tragedy has stunned the entire community, but everyone will rally around to support all those affected in what will be difficult days ahead," she said.
"I wish to pay tribute to the emergency services for all their efforts at the scene.
"Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact the police."
Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact them on 101.
