A young girl is fighting for her life in hospital after a devastating road traffic collision involving a lorry on Boleran Road, County Londonderry, on Monday, November 10, 2025. The incident, which occurred shortly before 4pm, has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting appeals for prayers and support from local organizations and public officials.
According to multiple reports, including coverage by BBC, emergency services were called to the scene between Coleraine, Limavady, and Garvagh just before 16:00 GMT. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed it received a 999 call at 15:51 GMT and responded swiftly, dispatching two emergency ambulances, an ambulance officer, a rapid response paramedic, and the charity air ambulance with the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) on board. The girl, described as a pedestrian, was treated at the scene before being airlifted to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for further treatment.
The seriousness of the accident was immediately apparent. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) deployed two appliances from Coleraine Fire Station, while the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) quickly moved to close Boleran Road to all traffic. Officers remain at the scene, urging motorists to seek alternative routes as investigations continue. As of Tuesday morning, the road remains closed with no reopening time given, and local diversions are in place.
The collision occurred on Boleran Road, a three-and-a-half mile stretch running roughly between Garvagh and Ringsend, several miles east of Limavady. The PSNI said in a statement, “Police received a report of a road traffic collision in the Boleran Road area of Limavady involving a lorry and a child pedestrian shortly before 4pm, today Monday 10th November. Officers alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended the scene. The girl remains in hospital at this time being treated for injuries which are described as critical. The road remains closed at this time and road users are advised to seek an alternative route.”
The impact on the local community has been profound. The girl, understood to be a former player at the Ballerin GAA club, has inspired an outpouring of support. In a heartfelt social media post, Ballerin GAA appealed to the community: “We ask our community to come together to pray for a young member who was injured in an accident this evening. The rosary will be said at 8pm in St Mary’s Church. Padre Pio pray for her.” The club’s call for prayers reflects the deep sense of solidarity and concern felt by residents and friends in the area.
Local leaders have also shared words of support. DUP councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan told BBC, “It is a very difficult time for the family and obviously the community will rally around them.” She added, “Our prayers are with the young girl in hospital this morning.” MLA for East Derry and Deputy Mayor Cara Hunter echoed these sentiments, posting on social media, “Boleran Road Limavady is shut due to a serious road traffic collision, air ambulance and officers in attendance. Thinking and praying for all those involved.”
The response from emergency services was both rapid and comprehensive. The NIFRS confirmed that they received a report of the collision at 3:51pm and that two appliances from Coleraine Fire Station were dispatched. Firefighters, ambulance personnel, and police worked together at the scene to provide immediate medical attention and manage the area. The charity air ambulance, a vital resource for rural emergencies, played a crucial role in transporting the injured girl to hospital as quickly as possible.
As the investigation unfolds, the PSNI has issued an appeal for witnesses. Officers are asking anyone who may have seen the collision, or who has dash-cam or mobile footage of the incident or the moments leading up to it, to come forward. They are also interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the lorry involved before or after the crash. This call for information highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident, as they work to piece together exactly what happened on that quiet stretch of road.
Public transport services have also been affected. Translink, the region’s main public transport provider, issued updates to passengers as emergency services continued to respond. The 175 bus service from Kilrea to Limavady was forced to terminate at Boleran Chapel, with the return service starting from that point instead of its usual route. Translink apologized for any inconvenience caused and emphasized that safety and cooperation with emergency responders take precedence.
For the community, the accident is a chilling reminder of the dangers that can lurk on rural roads, especially for pedestrians. Boleran Road, while not among the busiest in the region, serves as a crucial link between several small towns and villages. The incident has sparked renewed conversations about road safety, the need for careful driving, and the importance of vigilance, particularly in areas where children may be present.
The girl’s family, members of the Ballerin GAA club, are said to be deeply affected by the tragedy. The club’s decision to organize a rosary at St Mary’s Church underscores the role of faith and communal support in times of crisis. Such gestures, while they cannot undo the harm, offer comfort and a sense of unity to those grappling with uncertainty and fear.
As the investigation continues, the PSNI’s appeal for information remains open. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant footage is urged to contact the authorities. The hope is that a full understanding of the circumstances will not only provide answers for the girl’s family but also help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the meantime, the thoughts of the entire community—and indeed, many beyond—are with the young girl and her loved ones as she receives critical care at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. The coming days will undoubtedly be difficult, but the outpouring of support and solidarity is a testament to the strength and compassion of those living in County Londonderry.
With roads still closed, investigations ongoing, and prayers being said across the region, the story is far from over. Yet, in this moment of crisis, the community’s resilience and the dedication of emergency services shine through, offering a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty.
