On a quiet Saturday evening in County Antrim, tragedy struck the rural roads near Glenavy, leaving a community reeling and families facing unimaginable loss. At approximately 6:25pm on November 22, 2025, a devastating collision occurred on the Lurgan Road, involving a grey Skoda Fabia and a grey Cupra Formentor. Despite the swift response of emergency services, the outcome was grim: the man and woman traveling in the Cupra were pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Skoda was rushed to hospital for treatment.
The incident, confirmed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), unfolded just west of Glenavy village—a typically peaceful stretch of road now marked by sorrow. According to reports from BBC, emergency services arrived promptly, with three emergency crews, a HART crew, two advanced paramedics, an ambulance doctor, and even the HEMS team dispatched to the scene. Yet, despite their best efforts, there was nothing that could be done for the Cupra’s occupants.
The Lurgan Road, a vital artery for the local farming community and residents, was quickly closed off, with diversions set up at Pigeonstown Road. The closure, which lasted through Sunday morning, underscored the seriousness of the crash and the need for a thorough police investigation. By late Sunday afternoon, PSNI confirmed that the road had reopened, but the emotional wounds in Glenavy would take far longer to heal.
As news of the tragedy spread, shockwaves rippled through the close-knit community. Local leaders were swift to express their condolences and support for those affected. Alliance MLA for South Antrim, John Blair, spoke to The Irish News at the scene, saying, “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.”
His sentiments were echoed by Sinn Féin councillor Gary McCleave, who described the incident as “heartbreaking news for the loved ones of both people who lost their lives.” He added, “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 also offered his thoughts and prayers, reflecting the widespread sense of loss and concern in the region.
As part of their ongoing investigation, the PSNI issued a public appeal for witnesses. Chief Inspector Simpson of the Collision Investigation Unit urged anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have digital or dashcam footage from the area to come forward. “Our 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,” he stated, as reported by the Irish Mirror.
The loss of life on the Lurgan Road was not the only serious incident on Northern Ireland’s roads that evening. Less than 90 minutes before the Glenavy crash, emergency services were called to a separate two-vehicle collision outside Saintfield, near Lisburn. That accident, which occurred just before 5pm on the Old Ballynahinch Road, involved a bronze Volkswagen CC and a grey Audi A4. Five people—a man, two women, and two children—were taken to hospital. According to the Irish Mirror, both women and one child sustained injuries described as serious. Officers from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended, highlighting the scale of the emergency response that evening.
These back-to-back incidents have reinforced the ever-present dangers on rural roads, particularly as winter approaches and conditions become more challenging. The Lurgan Road, well-traveled by locals and known for its scenic stretches flanked by hedgerows and green fields, became the setting for an unimaginable tragedy. For many in Glenavy and the wider County Antrim area, the loss of two lives so close to the Christmas season feels especially poignant.
Community leaders and emergency responders alike have pointed to the need for continued vigilance and support. The PSNI’s appeal for information is not just a procedural step—it is a call for the community to come together, to help piece together the moments leading up to the crash, and to ensure that every detail is understood. As Chief Inspector Simpson put it, the investigation remains active, and every bit of information could make a difference.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims face the daunting task of coping with their loss. As John Blair noted, “There cannot possibly be worse news for any family coming up to the Christmas period.” The outpouring of sympathy from across the political spectrum—Alliance, Sinn Féin, and independent representatives—reflects the depth of feeling in the area. Glenavy, described by many as a settled and close-knit community, is expected to rally around those most affected, offering support in whatever ways it can.
Across the Irish Sea, the news of the Antrim crash has resonated, with coverage from outlets such as RTÉ and The Journal underscoring the shared sense of grief and the importance of road safety. The PSNI’s continued investigation, alongside appeals for witnesses and footage, highlights the painstaking work that follows such incidents. The hope is that answers will emerge, providing some measure of closure for the bereaved families and perhaps helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the Lurgan Road returns to its usual rhythm and traffic flows once more, the memory of Saturday evening’s events lingers. For those who knew the victims, and for the wider community, the pain is still raw. Yet, in the face of loss, Glenavy’s spirit of solidarity and compassion offers a glimmer of comfort. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be difficult, but the resolve to support one another—and to seek answers—remains strong.
Saturday’s crashes in County Antrim and near Saintfield serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance on the roads. As the investigations continue, the community’s focus turns to healing, remembrance, and the hope that lessons learned might spare others from similar heartbreak in the future.
