Man, 20, dies as teenagers severely injured in Boxing Day horror crash
A 20-year-old man has died and two teenagers seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision on Drum Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone
A young man has tragically lost his life and two teenagers have sustained serious injuries following a car crash in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
The three-vehicle crash occurred on the Drum Road in Cookstown shortly before 12.40am on Boxing Day (December 26).
Police have confirmed that Padraig McDonald, 20, from the Loughmacrory, has now sadly passed away.
Chief Inspector Simpson, from the Police Service’s collision investigation unit, explained that two cars were initially involved in a crash before a third vehicle collided with the wreckage.
The first two vehicles were a silver Volkswagen Golf carrying five passengers and a black Volkswagen Golf, reports the Express.
He stated: “A few minutes later, a black Vauxhall Corsa also collided with one of the vehicles involved in the first collision.
“The five occupants of the silver Golf reported injuries at the scene. Sadly, one man passed away in hospital a short time later.
“He was Padraig McDonald, aged 20 and from the Loughmacrory area. A boy aged in his late teens has sustained life-changing injuries while a second boy in his late teens suffered serious facial injuries.
“The injuries to the other two occupants are not thought to be serious at this time.
“The occupants of the black Golf and black Corsa are not believed to have suffered serious injury.
“The Drum Road remains closed as our inquiries continue.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference number 30 26/12/25.”
West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley expressed the community’s deep sorrow and grief, stating that everyone was “heartbroken” and “in mourning”.
She shared her shock, saying: “It’s devastating to learn Padraig has tragically died.
“My immediate thoughts are with the McDonald family as they begin to process this terrible incident.
“An entire community and parish is heartbroken and in mourning today, and I know that we will all do everything that we can to support these families in what will be difficult days to come.”
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