Young Man Dies Following St Stephen’s Day Road Collision in Co. Tyrone
A young man has died following a serious multi-vehicle road traffic collision in County Tyrone during the early hours of St Stephen’s Day, as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The victim has been named as 20 year-old Pádraig McDonald, from the Loughmacrory area, who sustained fatal injuries after a crash on the Drum Road near Cookstown shortly after midnight on Thursday, 26 December.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the incident involved a series of collisions. Initial reports indicate that two vehicles, both Volkswagens, were involved in a collision before a third vehicle, a Vauxhall Corsa subsequently struck one of the cars already involved.
Mr McDonald was a passenger in a silver Volkswagen Golf and was taken to hospital following the crash, where he later died from his injuries.
Four other occupants of the same vehicle were also injured in the collision. Police confirmed that:
One teenage male sustained life-changing injuries
Another teenage male suffered serious facial injuries
Two others were treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening
Emergency services attended the scene, and the Drum Road remained closed for a period of time to allow for forensic examination and vehicle recovery.
The PSNI has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and has once again appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone who was travelling on the Drum Road area around the time of the collision, or who may have dash-cam footage, has been urged to contact police.
The death has brought renewed attention to road safety concerns over the Christmas period, a time traditionally associated with increased traffic volumes and higher risks on Irish roads. Tributes have been paid locally to Mr McDonald, with the community expressing shock and deep sorrow at the loss of a young life.
Police have stated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Aaron Joyce
Newswire, L.T.T Media
Newsdesk
26 December 2025
Image Credit - The Belfast Telegraph