Three people have died, and a woman and four children have been injured in a road crash in County Tyrone.

Two vehicles collided in Dungannon Road, close to Cookstown, on Boxing Day afternoon.

Two rapid response paramedics, four emergency crews and an air ambulance were called to the scene.

The drivers of the two vehicles involved in the crash – a woman in her 80s and a man in his 20s – and a passenger in one of the vehicles – a woman in her 50s – died in the incident, police have confirmed.

Four children and a woman aged in her 20s were taken to hospital following the smash at around 3.30pm on Boxing Day.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said: “Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, four patients were taken to Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and another patient was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital.”

Police say the Dungannon Road remains closed.

UK weather: Technically speaking, it was a white Christmas this year

Under Belfast’s iconic shipyard cranes, Rishi Sunak prepares for some heavy political lifting

Northern Ireland Protocol: Rishi Sunak says he is working ‘flat out’ to restore power-sharing in Stormont amid ongoing row

Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who may have dashcam footage of the accident.

Sinn Fein’s Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill expressed her sympathies to the families of those killed in her Mid Ulster constituency, saying: “It is deeply tragic news to learn that three adults have been killed and a woman and four children injured as a result of this terrible road traffic collision in Co Tyrone.

“I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the families of those tragically killed and every best wish to those injured for a full and speedy recovery.”

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said: “The community is devastated this evening following news of a fatal collision on the Dungannon Road.

“This is the worst possible news any family could receive but particularly at this time of year. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected at this incredibly difficult time.”

In a tweet, Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Beattie said: “I just can’t imagine the horror those who survived have endured and the scene faced by the emergency services. Life is so precious and so fragile.”

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved in this tragic incident and the families and communities impacted by such a devastating loss.

“We also think of the emergency services who attended the scene and the health service staff caring for those injured.”

Related posts:

Enid Blyton blue plaque bio includes ‘racist and xenophobic’ criticism Super Tuesday for Team GB as sailing golds and new most decorated Olympian lead medals charge Met fights decision to reinstate police officer convicted over child abuse video Boy, 5, dies a week after suffering head injury at department store Man arrested after ‘suspicious’ death of woman who fell from Arthur’s Seat New portraits of Duchess Of Cambridge released as she marks 40th birthday UK records 141,472 new COVID cases and further 97 virus-related deaths How the Queen’s personal adviser became her hairdresser during lockdown Mobility scooter rider was repeatedly stabbed in neck and chest, court hears Girl, 9, killed in Liverpool shooting named as Olivia Pratt-Korbel Queen’s death certificate reveals what she died of NHS staff told to take ‘extra caution’ extracting organs after ‘brain-dead’ baby starts breathing