East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson and Councillor Noel Williams have expressed their sincere condolences after a woman died during a two-car crash in Carrickfergus on Wednesday evening.
The woman in her fifties died at the scene of the accident, which occurred on the Belfast Road as she was turning right out of Castle Rocklands, near the Model School, towards the centre of Carrickfergus. The road remained closed until the early part of Thursday morning.
Stewart Dickson MLA said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who sadly lost her life in Carrickfergus last night. They have my sympathies at this very difficult time.
“One road death is one too many and we must do everything we can to ensure this terrible tragedy never happens again. I would urge road users to always be vigilant, to watch their speed and never let anything distract their concentration from the task in hand – completing each journey safely.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward to the PSNI immediately so that all the facts can be determined.”
Councillor Noel Williams, who is also Chair of the Carrickfergus Policing Community and Safety Partnership (PCSP), added: “I know residents are concerned with speeding in the area, and particularly on that stretch of the Belfast Road. The issue has been raised by Councillors and members of the PCSP on numerous occasions. Sadly their worst nightmare has now become a reality.
“It is much too soon to say if this tragic accident is speed related, however, the PSNI scientists, who were at the scene gathering evidence on Thursday morning, will be able to ascertain the evidential facts.
“While it may be unhelpful to speculate as to what might have happened, it is clearly an issue that the Carrickfergus PCSP, the Council and the PSNI will have to address immediately.
“I am deeply shocked at this incident and my sincere condolences are with the family of the lady who has tragically lost her life.”