A young man has died and two teenagers have been seriously injured in a car crash in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The three-vehicle collision took place on the Drum Road in Cookstown just before 12.40am on Friday, December 26.

Chief Inspector Simpson, of the Police Service’s collision investigation unit, said two cars were involved in an initial collision before a third car crashed. The initial two were a silver Volkswagen Golf, which had five occupants, and a black Volkswagen Golf. He said: “A few minutes later, a black Vauxhall Corsa also collided with one of the vehicles involved in the first collision. 

“The five occupants of the silver Golf reported injuries at the scene. Sadly, one man passed away in hospital a short time later.

“He was Padraig McDonald, aged 20 and from the Loughmacrory area. A boy aged in his late teens has sustained life-changing injuries while a second boy in his late teens suffered serious facial injuries.

“The injuries to the other two occupants are not thought to be serious at this time.

“The occupants of the black Golf and black Corsa are not believed to have suffered serious injury.

“The Drum Road remains closed as our inquiries continue. 

“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference number 30 26/12/25.”

West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley said that the community was “heartbroken” and “in mourning”.

She said: “It’s devastating to learn Padraig has tragically died. 

“My immediate thoughts are with the McDonald family as they begin to process this terrible incident.

“An entire community and parish is heartbroken and in mourning today, and I know that we will all do everything that we can to support these families in what will be difficult days to come.”