A man and a woman have died following a crash in Co Antrim on Saturday, police have confirmed.
The collision involving a grey Skoda Fabia and a grey Cupra Formentor was reported shortly after 6.25pm on the Lurgan Road area of Glenavy.
Emergency services attended the scene, but the two occupants in the Cupra were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Skoda was later transferred to hospital by ambulance for treatment to his injuries.
A Northern Ireland Ambulance spokesperson said they dispatched three emergency crews, 1 HART crew, two advanced paramedics and an ambulance doctor to the scene.
The HEMS team was also tasked to attend by response car, with the hospitalised patient given an initial assessment and treatment at the scene.
Speaking to the Irish News at the scene on Sunday, Alliance MLA John Blair commented: “This is very sad news coming from the Glenavy area.
“Absolutely the worst news that any family could receive in the run up to the Christmas period, and the entire community will be shocked and saddened to hear that two people have sadly passed away as a result of this road traffic accident.
“Glenavy is a very close-knit and settled community. I’ve no doubt that people, once they’ve got over their initial shock and sadness, will rally around to help those affected and also help each other out.”
Sinn Féin councillor Gary McCleave said: “This is heartbreaking news for the loved ones of both people who lost their lives.
“I want to send my condolences to them at this devastating time.
“Anyone with information on the crash should contact the PSNI.”
Independent Alderman Paul Michael told the Irish News: “My thoughts and prayers obviously to the families.
“There’s shock and horror in the community at the loss of two people on our roads.
“It certainly is a busy road. I know there’s a large farming community in the area but all I can say about what happened is that it’s a tragedy.”
The Lurgan Road was still closed on Sunday morning, with a diversion in place at Pigeonstown Road.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference number 1121 for November 22.
In a separate incident on Saturday, five people including two children were taken to hospital after a crash near Saintfield.
The two-vehicle collision took place just before 5pm on the Old Ballynahinch Road.
A man, two women and two children were hospitalised - with the injuries for both women and one child described as serious.
In an update issued late on Sunday afternoon, the PSNI said the Lurgan Road in Glenavy had reopened
The spokesman added: “Enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1121 22/11/25.
