The rural community of Glenavy in County Antrim is reeling with shock and grief after a devastating road collision claimed the lives of two young people on Saturday evening, November 23, 2025. The tragic incident, which unfolded around 6:25pm on the Lurgan Road, involved a grey Skoda Fabia and a grey Cupra Formentor. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), both occupants of the Cupra—a man and a woman—were pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Skoda was rushed to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
The collision brought a sudden and somber halt to what should have been an ordinary Saturday evening. Emergency services responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, there was nothing that could be done for the two individuals in the Cupra. The Lurgan Road, a typically quiet stretch bordered by hedgerows and green fields, was closed off by police for investigation and only reopened to traffic on Sunday evening, as reported by BBC News.
"There cannot possibly be worse news for any family coming up to the Christmas period," Alliance MLA for South Antrim John Blair told BBC News after visiting the scene. He added, "I know that Glenavy itself is a settled and close-knit community and there will be much shock and sadness across that community also." Blair’s words echoed the collective heartbreak felt by residents, many of whom took to social media to express their condolences and disbelief. One poignant message read, "It’s a cruel, cruel world, especially coming up to Christmas… two beautiful lives taken far too soon. May they both get the best bed in Heaven, and may God give strength to all who are grieving." Another wrote, "Rip angel. My heart bleeds for the broken-hearted families left behind. Please everyone keep the broken hearted in your prayers."
The sense of loss was palpable throughout Glenavy on Sunday morning. The Lurgan Road remained closed, with a diversion in place at Pigeonstown Road, and police continued their investigation at the scene. Sinn Féin councillor for Lisburn and Castlereagh, Gary McCleave, also expressed his condolences. “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,” he told Belfast Live.
The PSNI has made a public appeal for witnesses and for anyone who may have dash-cam or digital footage from the area at the time of the crash to come forward. A spokesperson stated, “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.” The urgency of the appeal underscores the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
As the community mourns, attention has also turned to the broader issue of road safety on rural routes. MLA John Blair remarked on the persistent dangers, saying, “Anyone I've spoken to from Glenavy today is really shocked and saddened by the news, that there's a feeling of utmost despair that these things could happen and that our rural roads remain dangerous and that's the feeling resonating across the community.” He added, “It's the very worst news any family could receive, especially in the run up to the Christmas period. I know, however, that Glenavy is a very settled and close-knit community and, once that community gets over its own sadness and shock, I have no doubt they will rally round to help others and help each other.”
While the Glenavy tragedy dominated headlines, it was not the only serious road incident in the region over the weekend. In a separate crash near Lisburn, five people—including two children—were injured in a two-vehicle collision on Saintfield Road at the junction of Old Ballynahinch Road. Emergency services responded to the scene, and all five were taken to hospital. According to BBC News, both women and one child involved in the Lisburn crash were being treated for serious injuries. The PSNI has similarly appealed for witnesses and those with dash-cam footage from the area between 4:45pm and 5:30pm to contact officers, highlighting the crucial role the public can play in ongoing investigations.
Further south, tragedy also struck in Waterford city, where a pedestrian in his 40s died after being struck by a car on the R448 in Sallypark early Sunday morning. The driver, a man in his 20s, was uninjured, and Gardaí have asked anyone with information to come forward. These incidents, while separate, serve as grim reminders of the unpredictable and often devastating consequences of road traffic accidents, particularly as the holiday season approaches—a time when families should be coming together, not mourning the loss of loved ones.
The Lurgan Road in Glenavy, now reopened, bears the scars of a community’s grief and the physical reminders of a tragedy that will not soon be forgotten. The PSNI’s ongoing investigation seeks to provide answers, but in the meantime, the focus remains on supporting those left behind. As the festive period draws near, the close-knit Glenavy community is expected to rally together, offering support and comfort to the bereaved families. The outpouring of sympathy, both online and in person, reflects a community’s resilience in the face of profound loss.
For those seeking to help or with any information about the Glenavy or Lisburn incidents, the PSNI encourages contact with their Collision Investigation Unit at 101, quoting the relevant reference numbers. Similarly, Gardaí in Waterford continue to seek assistance from the public as they investigate the fatal pedestrian collision in Sallypark.
As candles are lit and prayers said across Glenavy and beyond, the hope is that the memories of the lost will be cherished and that the lessons of these tragedies will lead to renewed focus on road safety for all.
