‘We’re all at a loss of what to say’: Hundreds attend vigil for victims of Tyrone road collision

Victims named locally as Dan McKane, his sister Christine McKane and their aunt Julia McSorley

A vigil has been held in Strabane for the victims of a road collision in Co Tyrone.

The victims from Strabane – named locally as Dan McKane, Christine McKane and their aunt Julia McSorley – died when the minivan they were travelling in collided with a lorry near Aughnacloy early on Thursday morning.

Emergency services attended the scene and four other people were taken to hospital.

The vigil took place at the Grotto in Strabane, with hundreds of people coming out to remember the victims and show support to the McKane and McSorley families.

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Mourners filled the Grotto, while more lined the surrounding streets. A moment of silence was observed and a candle was lit for each of the victims.

Fr Declan Boland thanked those in attendance.

“Your presence here this evening is deeply appreciated,” he said.

He added: “We’re all at a loss of what to say, how to respond but we respond in the deepest way possible we gather together as a community of faith.”

Fr Boland expressed condolences to the family on behalf of the community in Strabane.

“We’re standing in silent solidarity this evening with the McKane family, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,” he said.

A mass was also held in Aughnacloy in memory of the victims.

The incident has incited calls from politicians and community figures that the A5 road, where the incident occurred, is upgraded and made safer. – PA