Northern Ireland

Co Armagh community left 'shocked and saddened' by death of 17-year-old girl in road crash

A Co Armagh community has been left "shocked and saddened" following the death of a 17-year-old girl in a one-vehicle crash.

The collision involving a blue Ford Fiesta happened on the Coolmillish Road outside Markethill shortly before 1pm yesterday.

The road was closed in both directions while two ambulance crews and a rapid response paramedic arrived. The NI Air Ambulance also landed at the scene.

Police confirmed last night that the girl, named locally as Rachel Lowry from Markethill, had died.

They added: "Officers investigating the crash are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with dash-cam footage, to contact them on 101."

UUP councillor Jim Speers said: "The area is shocked and saddened by this tragedy. This was a young woman coming into the prime of her life."

Party colleague Gordon Kennedy said: "This is a very sad time for the area. I would like to pay tribute to both the emergency services, and a member of the public who offered their help in the immediate aftermath of this awful crash."

Sinn Féin councillor for the area, Bróna Haughey, added: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the region will be with the family of this young woman."