A school principal has spoken of the deep shock and sadness of the community over the death of a student on Tuesday night on the A5 road near Omagh, Co Tyrone.
Kamile Vaicikonyte (17) was killed along with 19-year-old Jamie Moore when a blue BMW crashed on the Doogary Road on the A5.
Paul Lavery, principal of St Ciaran's College in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, said the school community was deeply shocked and saddened by Kamile's death.
"Kamile had a lovely smile. She was a bubbly, outgoing girl who was very popular with both staff and pupils. She joined our school in Year 10 and was studying AS levels in health and social care, business studies and nutrition and food science," he told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.
He said Kamile had hoped to go to university and had recently completed work experience in a local primary school. She had been enjoying learning how to drive and had a part-time job.
On Monday afternoon the school had hosted a campaign to highlight a call for upgrades to the A5, in which Kamile had participated, which further heightened the tragedy, said Mr Lavery.
The principal thanked the Northern Ireland Education Authority's critical incident team, “who came in and provided support for our pupils and staff, and I think along with our own pastoral care system, we've done our best to try and support our pupils and staff and the community through this very difficult time.”
There have been more than 50 fatalities since 2006 on the A5 road, which links Derry with Dublin.
A scheme to turn the road into a dual carriageway was first approved by the Stormont Executive in 2007 but it has been held up by legal challenges and uncertainty over funding.
Local political representatives expressed sadness at further deaths on the A5, and reiterated calls for the redevelopment of the road.
West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley, of Sinn Féin, said: “The community is shocked and devastated to learn that another two young people have lost their lives on the A5 road.
“My immediate thoughts are with these young people’s families and friends as they come to terms with this unimaginable heartbreak today.
“More families have been left heartbroken by another fatal collision on this dangerous road, and today’s news serves as another sad reminder of the need to move forward and build the A5 with no more delays.”
SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said the A5 “cannot be allowed to claim any more lives” and added that “immediate action was needed to progress the road upgrade”.
“Since the return of Stormont we have already seen a number of deaths on the A5, this is happening on a regular basis and our community cannot continue to brave these losses,” he said.
“Every day people are leaving their homes to travel on this road, causing huge worry in their families who can’t be sure that they will come home.
“We need to progress on the A5 redevelopment, we cannot afford any more delays, people’s lives are literally at stake and no excuse can be justified.”
