School 'deeply shocked' as teens die in A5 crash

Two teenagers have died following a single-vehicle crash on the A5 in Omagh, County Tyrone, on Tuesday.

A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl died at the scene on the Doogary Road at about 21:50 BST, police said.

One of the crash victims has been named by her school as Kamile Vaicikonyte.

In a statement, principal of St Ciaran's College in Ballygawley, Paul Lavery, described the Year 13 pupil as a "bubbly, out-going girl who was very popular with both staff and pupils".

Mr Lavery added the whole school community is "deeply shocked and saddened" to learn of her death and said the whole school's thoughts are with Ms Vaicikonyte's family at this time.

He said trained staff from the Education Authority critical incident response team will be on site to assist pupils and staff.

Earlier this week, the school held a demonstration to remember people who had died on the A5, calling for long-awaited upgrade work on the road to start.

They also released a video where pupils stood in the shape of a cross.

More than 50 people have been killed on the road since 2006 with upgrade work hit by a series of delays and legal challenges.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the loss of two young lives on the A5 as "absolutely heartbreaking".

"My heart goes out to their families, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy," Ms O'Neill said.

"No family should ever have to experience this unimaginable heartache."

In her post on social media, Ms O'Neill also said that the long-awaited A5 road upgrade "must be built".

The SDLP's West Tyrone assembly member Daniel McCrossan said the A5 road "cannot be allowed to claim any more lives".

He said immediate action was needed to progress the road upgrade.