Ballyclare crash: Political representatives pass on condolences and call for action to make road safer

Local political representatives have expressed their sadness after a man in his 50s died following a collision on the Collin Road on Monday evening (May 2).
The Collin Road remains closed following Monday evening's fatal collision. INNT 18-803CONThe Collin Road remains closed following Monday evening's fatal collision. INNT 18-803CON
The Collin Road remains closed following Monday evening's fatal collision. INNT 18-803CON

Five other people were seriously injured in the three-vehicle crash, which happened near the junction of Braepark Road at around 7pm. The man killed in the crash has been named locally as 50-year-old Kenny Wright from Ballymena.

DUP election candidate Paul Girvan passed on his condolences to those affected and called for safety improvements on the Collin Road.

He said: “It is very tragic that a man has lost his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been injured as well as the family of the man who passed away. I understand that two of the injured people are in a serious condition in hospital. I hope that everyone makes a full recovery.

“It is a road with a number of potential hazards. It is something that we will have to look at for making it safer for traffic. I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision to contact the PSNI.”

South Antrim Assembly candidate, Cllr Paul Michael passed on his sympathies to the man’s family. The UUP representative said: “My reaction to this terrible accident is one of shock and horror. It is another life lost on our roads and families have been torn apart. My deepest sympathies to those bereaved and thoughts and prayers to those seriously injured. I hope they make a full recovery.”

These sentiments were echoed by his party colleagues Cllr David Arthurs and Cllr Vera McWilliam. Cllr Arthurs said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the man who died following a road traffic accident on Collin Road on Monday evening. Once again our roads have taken yet another life and my thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family at this time. I would also like to pass on my best wishes to those who remain in hospital.”

Cllr McWilliam added: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the man who lost his life and everyone who has been injured. I hope that they all make a full recovery. It is about time some action was taken to make the road safer.”

Investigating officers have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them on 101.